DIRECTORS' MESSAGE

Welcome to the February issue of TA Talk. We have packed a whole lot in to this very short month! 

 

We are very fortunate to have been invited to attend the Adventist Schools Australia (ASA) conference in Glenelg, SA, in May, as guests. We will be learning, and networking with conference attendees, as well as spreading the word about our professional learning offering to schools, and the recently published Australian Teaching Assistant Professional Standards (ATAPS). 

 

We have also been invited to speak on the Standards at the Brisbane and Melbourne National Education Summit (NES) conferences in July and August respectively, this year. This is an exciting opportunity to formally share the news of this new national framework that supports the performance and professional growth of teaching assistants. If you happen to be at either conference, please come and say hello :)

 

Preparations for our ATAPS Partner School leadership workshops are well underway. The first 2 workshops are scheduled for 24th and 25th March, and will be presented by ATA Facilitator and Teacher, Kim Nuske. We still have capacity to take more participants, but don’t delay as places are limited and will fill. These workshops are designed exclusively for school leaders of ATA member schools. 

 

We had an excellent attendance at our first live web event for the year, Introducing ATAPS: A professional growth framework for teaching assistants. This resource is a great introduction to the standards for everyone, and is available to subscribers and members. 

 

Lastly, we have published the ATAPS reference list. This list will be updated, as new research and insights contribute to the ongoing evolution of the ATAPS. You can find the reference list under the Standards tab on our website. 

 

Best wishes for a productive and fulfilling month ahead.

 

Warm regards 

Stella and Mandy 

OUR PL RECORD HAS BEEN UPDATED

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We’re excited to announce an update to our Professional Learning  Record!

 

This updated template helps you plan and document the professional development activities, such as PD sessions, conversations, and observations, that support your professional growth goals.


The new PL Record works seamlessly alongside our PD Planner, offering useful tips for setting SMART goals and providing a dedicated space to document professional learning activities and the ATAPS standards they align with.

View PL Record

ATAPS PARTNER SCHOOL COURSE

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Calling Leadership Teams at Member Schools

Join the ATAPS Partner School course and further empower your support teams with the new Australian Teaching Assistant Professional Standards (ATAPS).

 

In two 3-hour online workshops, school leaders will explore the ATAPS Framework, gain tools to lead professional development, and learn how to embed the standards into your school’s processes. Plus, enjoy a 30-minute one-on-one session with an ATAPS facilitator!

 

Upon completion, your school can elect to receive ATAPS Partner School accreditation and a digital badge for your school website!

 

This course is available exclusively to Australian Teacher Aide member schools.

 

Registration is open now for the first workshop, being presented on 24 and 25 March.

 

Don’t miss this opportunity for education excellence. Places are limited, so register now and start your journey as an ATAPS Partner School today!

Register Here

UNDERSTANDING ATAPS - ONE STANDARD AT A TIME

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Standard 1 - Know Students and How they Learn

This month its all about Standard 1!

 

To effectively support student learning and wellbeing, teaching assistants require knowledge of how students learn, how to engage with students and establish positive and respectful relationships, and how to apply age and developmentally appropriate practice. 

 

Standard One details the professional knowledge teaching assistants require, and is broken down further into the following: 

  • Standard 1.1 Understand how students learn.  
  • Standard 1.2 Engage with students to establish positive and respectful relationships. 
  • Standard 1.3 Demonstrate understanding of age and developmentally appropriate practice.  

If you are getting started in your teaching assistant career, we recommend the following professional learning resources to help you develop your knowledge of how students learn: 

 

Effective Teacher Aide Practices for Schools (eTAPS)- Modules 1, 2 & 3

A Strengths Based Approach to Help Students Thrive

Find Out More Here

UPCOMING EVENT

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Neurodiversity and Brain-based Learning

 

3.30pm Tuesday 11 March 2025

We are thrilled to announce the presenter for our next live web event is Kristina Barisic, the director of Developing Minds and an Endorsed Clinical Neuropsychologist.

 

Kristina is passionate about supporting young people with conditions that affect brain development, and in this invaluable session, she will explore key aspects of brain development, focusing on how essential learning and memory processes evolve.

 

She will also delve into examples of neurodivergence and how these brain-based differences can impact learning.

 

Additionally, Kristina will share practical, effective strategies for supporting students in the classroom, offering valuable insights for educators.

 

Don’t miss this incredible learning opportunity; register to secure your spot now!

Register Here

 NEW RESOURCE

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Introducing ATAPS: A professional growth framework for teaching assistants

We’re so excited to have introduced the Australian Teaching Assistant Professional Standards (ATAPS) – the first-ever framework created specifically for teaching assistants across Australia.

 

This groundbreaking resource is designed to guide your professional development, empower you in your role, and provide a clear path for growth and improving your practice.

 

In our latest resource, ATA facilitator Kim Nuske explains how these standards are relevant to everyone. She offers practical advice on assessing your skills and implementing ATAPS within your school setting.

 

Kim delves into the key components of the ATAPS framework, shares strategies for enhancing your knowledge, practice, and engagement, and discusses how ATAPS can support your ongoing professional learning.

 

Whether you're an experienced teaching assistant or new to the role, this webinar equips you with valuable tools and insights to elevate your professional practice.

Watch the Full Video Now

ATA IS A BUSINESS FOR GOOD

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Together We Make a Difference!

At Australian Teacher Aide, we're dedicated to empowering and developing education support professionals.

 

When you, your school, or your training organisation purchase or renew a membership, you also play a role in making a significant global impact.

 

Each new and renewing membership enables us, together, to provide vital health and education support to children in Australia and beyond, who would otherwise go without. To date, we've made an incredible 3,457 impacts globally!

 

Learn more about the difference we're making together, and stay tuned for updates on our ongoing giving stories.

Our Impact

OUTSTANDING PARTICIPATION IN ATA PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

Congratulations to the following schools and training organisations for achieving most highly, over the past month, in their professional development journey:

 

TAFE Queensland

Terrigal High School NSW

Toolooa State High School QLD

Xavier High School - North Albury NSW

Keep up the great work, everyone!

How to get your PD Certificate

WHAT'S TRENDING ON THE ATA FACEBOOK PAGE

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Progress not Perfection!

We loved the responses to our recent post about progress!

 

Whether you're mastering a new skill or just getting through the day, remember: every bit of progress counts! Keep going, celebrate the little victories, and let’s continue growing together.

You've got this! 

 

1,295 views
22 reactions, 3 comments and 4 shares

 

 

Join 24,330 other happy ATA Facebook followers
 

Leaders in Professional Learning for Schools

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