/ How to Become a Teacher's Aide - Career Salaries, Job Stats & Education

Thinking of a Career as a Teachers' Aide?

Teachers' Aides help and assist teachers in the classroom and give extra attention to students to support them with their learning and development. Teachers' Aides support the teacher by preparing teaching materials and resources. 

This new nationally recognised qualification has been custom-designed by industry experts for two categories of potential workers; those who are already working as Teachers' Aides and are looking to formalise their qualifications, and to prospective employees seeking work.

Tasks and duties of a Teachers' Aide

The tasks and duties of a Teachers' Aide are:

• Assisting children to learn social skills
• Assisting children with physical, intellectual and behavioural difficulties with their academic studies
• Helping to prepare teaching aids
• Collecting and distributing lesson material
• Supervising and participating in activities that enhance emotional, social, physical and intellectual development of school and preschool children

Teachers Aide Job Statistics

Teachers' Aide Job Outlook

The number of people working as Teachers Aides grew very strongly from 48,200 in 2011 to 58,800 in 2016 and is expected to continue growing very strongly. Job openings can arise from employment growth and people leaving the occupation. This is a very large occupation with most people working in the Education and Training industry. 

How many hours does a Teachers' Aide work?

Full- time Teachers' Aides spend around 40 hours per week at work as compared to the average of 44 hours. There are also many opportunities to work part-time if desired. 

How much does a Teachers' Aide get paid in Australia?

In Australia, Teachers' Aides can earn $1,094 a week on an average, which is approximately $56,888 per year.

Please note: For Education Aide roles, the rate of pay will vary depending on the worker's skills and experience, and the demands of the role. 

Teachers Aide Age Profile

Due to the nature of the work for gaining industry experience, Teachers Aides have a strong appeal amongst young people, making it an experienced industry working along side full time teachers.

 Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report

Teachers' Aide education and qualifications

Education levels of Teachers' Aides

Source: *Job Outlook Government website.  Education qualifications needed by new workers may differ from workers already in the job.

What skills and qualities does a Teachers' Aide need?

To become a good Teachers' Aide , here are some of the skills and qualities you will need:

• Be good with children by understanding human behaviour, differences in ability, interests, personality and learning methods
• Practicing the best way to teach and learn something new.
• Engaging in activities that enhance overall well being of children including social, emotional and intellectual development.

How do I become a Teachers' Aide in Australia?

To gain work as a Teachers' Aide in Australia, a certificate-level educational qualification is desired. The entry-level qualification in the education field is the Certificate III in Education Support (CHC30213).

What Teachers' Aide qualification do you need?

Certificate III in Education Support

If you are currently working or seeking work as a Teachers' Aide, this new nationally recognised qualification covers what you need to know. You can also join this course to start your career as a Teachers' Aide working with children in a classroom or community education setting with this nationally recognised qualification. 

Can you be a Teaching Assistant with no qualifications in Australia?

While a qualification is not a requirement to be a Teaching Assistant in Australia, it is highly desirable and most employers expect and prefer that you have an Education Support qualification, such as the Certificate III in Education Support. 

Why study Teachers' Aide through Open Colleges?

Our Teachers' Aide course is delivered online, giving you the flexibility of organising your study around your life. You can enrol anytime of the year and study at your own pace.

Among other things, you'll learn how to comply with legislative, policy and industrial requirements in the education environment and how to support the behaviour of children and young people.

You'll also learn how to contribute to student education in all developmental domains and how to work with diversity in the education environment and to set up and sustain individual and small group learning areas

Your course includes comprehensive student support to help you throughout your study. This certificate allows you to graduate with a government-accredited, nationally recognised qualification that can boost your chances of employment.

Interview with a Professional Teachers' Aide

In two sentences, tell us what a bit about your previous role; working as a Teachers' Aide

As an Education Assistant I assisted the teacher in preparing and delivering a full education programme to help and encourage children to become independent, resilient and enjoy learning.

What does a Teachers' Aide do on a day to day basis?

I worked in a Pre-primary situation and some of my daily duties were:

• Setting up the classroom for the daily activities
• Setting up the outdoor playground
• Preparation for activities
• Supervision of small group activities
• Preparing and cutting fruit for sharing at fruit time
• Interacting with children by reading books and helping with puzzles

What are the best parts of the job?

For me, the best parts of the job were interacting with the children every day and watching them grow, develop and learn.

What skills/attributes do potential Teachers' Aides need to have?

Some of the skills I think that are required for the job as an Education Assistant are firstly a love of children.

Patience, tolerance, initiative, able to work independently and to be able to follow instructions are also important.

What are your favourite things about working in the teaching industry?

My favourite thing about working in the teaching industry is having an influence on the learning and development of the children and seeing the results when they achieve!

Thanks, Barb, for sharing your story with Open Colleges.