What happens when teaching assistants know they are seen, valued, and worth celebrating?
What do you think an award nomination for the Australian Teacher Aide of the Year would mean to a teaching assistant at your school?
What would it mean to a teaching assistant to have a busy school leader or teacher, take a moment to recognise their contribution to the school?
Can you imagine the lasting impact a nomination would have on a teaching assistant?
At Australian Teacher Aide, we are proud to host the annual Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards, both for individuals and teams, and we are delighted to be introducing a new category for nominations, the Excellence Award for Early Career Teacher Aides!
Teaching Assistants are often quietly, and diligently, supporting learning and teaching, with little to no recognition. They are a steady presence beside students who need extra support, the bridge between instruction and student understanding, and the team members who help classrooms function smoothly every day.
The Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards exist to celebrate this impact, highlighting the powerful contributions education support staff make to:
- Student learning and wellbeing
- Collaborative school cultures
- Inclusive education practices
These are no small contributions. They are impactful and lasting.
The Power of Being Nominated
For many teaching assistants, simply being nominated is deeply meaningful. Busy school leaders and teachers have taken the time to put together a nomination summarising the valuable role of the teaching assistant, and this does not go unrewarded. The power of being nominated is lasting. It tells teaching assistants that they are seen, their contributions are recognised, and that they are a valued member of the school team.
A nomination says:
- “We see the difference you make”
- “We value your professionalism and dedication”
- “Your work matters, not just to us, but to the wider education community.”
In a role where recognition can sometimes be limited, this moment of professional affirmation can be transformative.
From Local Contributions to National Recognition
Each year, nominations from across all states and territories of Australia lead to:
- State finalists representing excellence in every corner of the country
- Individual and team awards recognising excellence in diverse school contexts
- Stories of impact that showcase what great support practice looks like
Recent winners and finalists demonstrate:
- Deep commitment to student-centred support
- Strong collaboration with teachers and leadership
- Ongoing professional growth and reflective practice
These are the qualities that teaching assistants demonstrate daily all-around Australia.
The Unique Position of Teachers and School Leaders
As education leaders, in the classroom and school setting, you are in a unique position.
You see the unseen work:
- The teaching assistant who anticipates student needs before they arise
- The quiet check-ins that prevent escalation
- The consistent support that builds confidence over time
Pausing to nominate a teaching assistant is more than completing a form - it's an act of leadership that tells your team, “I see what you do. Thank you!”
A nomination contributes to a school culture where:
- Teaching assistants feel valued and respected
- Teamwork is strengthened
- Excellence is recognised and shared
And more importantly, it models to students what it means to be grateful and thankful.
Take a Moment
As nominations open, consider how your school might:
- Start a conversation about recognition in staff meetings
- Invite teachers to reflect on impactful support staff
- Celebrate nominations internally, not just for winning
Because these awards are not only about the final announcement. They are about:
- reflection
- appreciation
- storytelling
- and professional pride!
A Lasting Impact
Long after the awards are announced, one thing remains:
A teaching assistant who knows their work is seen, valued, and worth celebrating.
That kind of recognition doesn’t fade quickly.
Tips for Nominating a Teaching Assistant
If you’re reading this thinking of a teaching assistant at your school, then it may be time to consider nominating them for an Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Award.
Keep in mind, a great nomination will:
- Be specific: highlight real examples of impact on students and classrooms.
- Focus on growth: include evidence of professional learning or initiative
- Show collaboration: describe how they work with teachers and teams
- Capture their story: what makes this person exceptional in your context?
Who Comes to Mind?
Before nominations open, take a moment.
Who is the teaching assistant in your school who:
- consistently goes above and beyond?
- makes a lasting difference to students?
- strengthens your classrooms or teams every day?
That person is worth recognising.
Nominations Open April 30, 2026
As nominations open later this month, take the time to honour, recognise, and celebrate the people who support your students, your classrooms, and your school community.
Nominate a Teaching Assistant, TA team, or Early Career TA - It matters more than you think!
