The fifth and final initiative of the Developing Our Workforce Strategy will help 50 Teacher Assistants boost their skills to better support students and teachers across our schools.
Teacher Assistants join principals, teachers, teaching students and school business managers who have all been given an opportunity to upskill through the Hodgman Liberal Government’s $4.2 million Developing Our Workforce Strategy.
The Paraprofessional Development Initiative is designed to provide our Teacher Assistants with a chance to further develop their skills and expand their career options and their role in the classroom.
This program will provide up to 50 participants with high quality, on-the-job training to achieve a Diploma of Education Support, with a clear pathway to achieving a Bachelor degree down the track. Course fees will be paid for and flexible study time provided.
This initiative will also provide a pathway to a newly established school-based paraprofessional role, which will allow Teacher Assistants the opportunity to offer high level support to students and teachers at schools that have the demand this new role.
The program will help to develop the skills, knowledge and experience of our Teacher Assistants so they are better able to provide a higher level of education support, work independently with small groups and supervise students.
The program will be delivered through the Department’s Professional Learning Institute and the University of Tasmania, and does not require previous study experience or qualifications.
By developing and supporting Tasmania’s education workforce we are investing in the future of Tasmania as a whole, and that includes those that have the important job of supporting our schools.
The Developing our Workforce Strategy, undertaken as a partnership project between the State Government and University of Tasmania through the Underwood Centre of Educational Attainment, is a great step to improving education in Tasmania.
The strategy provides $4.2 million from the Better Schools Tasmania Agreement (Gonski) to fund additional opportunities for teachers and education staff to develop their skills, to ensure we have the best and brightest minds inspiring our students.
For additional information and to apply, please visit the Department’s Professional Learning Institute’s website at http://pli-prospectus.education.tas.gov.au.
More Media Releases from Jeremy Rockliff
More Media Releases from the Minister for Education and Training