Teacher’s Aide/ Teacher’s Assistant – Kaiāwhina Kaiako

“My why is I love these kids. They are absolutely awesome and we have so much fun. We know they have so much potential. It’s just taking the time to teach/encourage them…”

– Kayla Ratu Hasler, Teacher Assistant

 

About this career

Teachers aids and teachers assistants help teachers in the classroom, working one to one with students and in groups.

They can also:

  • help with extra hands-on activities in and outside the classroom
  • help with personal care including medication or eating
  • meet and work with teachers and whānau to support students’ progress
  • help teachers plan lessons for tauira with different needs
  • help students learn English as a second language
 

Qualities you need

Teacher’s Aid/ Teacher’s Assistant need to be:

  • empathetic, enthusiastic, energetic
  • understanding and patient with young people and whānau
  • able to follow instructions and work well under pressure
  • well-organised, practical and with good time management
  • able to communicate clearly with people of all ages and backgrounds
  • practical, organised and good problem solvers
  • creative and adaptable and able to work well in a team
 

Career Pathway

There are no specific requirements to become a teacher aide/ teachers assistant. Experience working with young people could be an advantage.

Teacher aides must undergo a police background check and must meet legal requirements to work with children (Vulnerable Childrens’ Act 2014).

Find out more about Teacher Aid careers here: https://www.careers.govt.nz/jobs-database/education-and-social-sciences/education/teacher-aide/

 

Our Whānau Career Story

Kayla Ratu Hasler, Teacher Assistant

Where do I work and what do I do?

I work at Marfell Community School, in room 5, which is one of the Whare Manaaki classes. We support children who have higher needs and learn better outside the regular classroom. We work alongside the teacher supporting her to teach the children in a way that they can understand. This involves a lot of fun hands-on stuff. For example, sensory play, outdoor exploring, physical activity and arts and crafts etc…

We do math, reading, writing etc. But we also teach the children everyday activities, for example how-to put-on socks/shoes, how to use stationary, getting changed etc

What was my career pathway to get where I am / and what led me to this?

I got into this job, by attending Educare Training in New Plymouth.
I attended straight after I finished high school. For my inclusive practice module I asked to be in Whare Manaaki for my placement, because I knew I wanted to do something along these lines and this was the perfect opportunity to see if I would enjoy doing it as a job. Six months after I finished, I got offered a job there!

“My why” for doing this job and making a difference for Māori

My why is I love these kids. They are absolutely awesome and we have so much fun. We know they have so much potential. It’s just taking the time to teach/encourage them and when we do have an achievement we are just so proud, it’s the best feeling. Seeing their faces when they realise what they did, just makes it so worth it.

I could make a difference for Māori, by just being there for them. Letting people know that I’m here for them as a friend, whether they are having a good or bad day. If they need someone to talk to I’m here.
This would improve mental health and give people a sense of belonging. Also making sure our culture is being represented and being represented in a positive way. This will make Māori feel more comfortable/safe and feel more invited to enter jobs.

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