Practical Implementation of the ‘Guidelines for Optimal Deployment of Teaching Assistants in Australian Classrooms’
At Australian Teacher Aide (ATA), we are committed to strengthening the capability and impact of teaching assistants in schools through high-quality, evidence-based professional learning.
A key initiative underpinning this mission is the Australian Teaching Assistant Professional Standards (ATAPS) framework, developed to help schools enhance how they deploy and support their teaching assistant teams.
To assist schools in making informed and strategic decisions about the deployment of TAs, the Guidelines for the Optimal Deployment of Teaching Assistants in Australian Classrooms, published by AITSL in July 2025, present seven evidence-informed strategies for school leaders to consider. ATA offers practical training and resources aligned to each of these strategies.
1. Adopt a Whole-School Approach to Deployment
Implementing the ATAPS framework provides schools with a clear, strategic foundation to guide teaching assistant deployment. This whole-school approach ensures TAs are placed where they can contribute most effectively to student growth, creating inclusive, student-focused learning environments.
2. Establish Clear Role Expectations
ATAPS promotes a shared professional language and understanding across all education staff. It helps define the teaching assistant role, enabling teachers, school leaders, and system leaders to set consistent expectations and create aligned job descriptions across diverse settings.
3. Enable Opportunities for Collaboration
The ATAPS framework encourages purposeful collaboration between teaching assistants and classroom teachers. It prompts the start of a professional conversation between TAs and teachers, and encourages active involvement in broader school initiatives.
4. Prioritise Professional Learning
ATA provides Australia’s most comprehensive library of online professional learning resources tailored for teaching assistants. When used in conjunction with ATAPS, these resources enable TAs to identify learning goals, access relevant training, and continuously improve their practice.
5. Embed Evidence-Based Interventions
ATA's professional learning calendar includes sessions that focus on the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) model. These learning opportunities equip TAs with the knowledge and practical tools to deliver targeted interventions and support small group learning, ensuring their work is grounded in best-practice approaches.
6. Align with Teaching and Learning Approaches
Both ATAPS and ATA’s professional learning resources help schools develop a shared understanding of their instructional strategies. One of the first practical steps many schools take is encouraging collaboration between teachers and TAs by allocating collaboration time on the school timetable, fostering a more cohesive approach to student learning.
7. Recognise Administrative and Leadership Potential
The ATAPS framework allows school leaders to identify teaching assistants who demonstrate advanced capabilities and consider how they might take on broader roles. These may include administrative, supervisory, or operational responsibilities that contribute to the smooth running of the school, and assist in reducing the workload of teachers.
Supporting School Leaders to Take Action
The deployment guidelines urge school leaders to align the teaching assistant role with the overarching aim of improving outcomes for all students. As Australia’s leading TA association, ATA not only delivers professional learning but also keeps the education community updated on the latest trends and research, while advocating for the recognition of TAs through our national annual awards.
Whether your goal is to clarify TA roles, foster stronger collaboration, or enhance student learning outcomes, ATA provides actionable solutions tailored to your school’s context.
Ready to strengthen your teaching assistant team?
Connect with us to explore how the ATAPS framework and ATA’s professional learning can support your school in deploying TAs with purpose and impact.
Visit our website to watch Introducing ATAPS – A Professional Growth Framework for Teaching Assistants to learn more about the TA Standards, or contact our friendly team today to find out how your team can get access to our professional learning.
