Meeting diverse learning
A new report has highlighted how teacher aides can make the biggest difference for diverse learners.
Research carried out by the Education Review Office (ERO), in partnership with NZEI Te Riu Roa, highlighted the importance of teacher aides and teachers working as a team in the classroom.
amaru woman Alora Hill became a teacher aide to help give students the support and opportunities she lacked at school.
‘‘It’s important for people to feel there’s someone out there who relates to them.’’
As a Māori woman, Hill felt disconnected from her culture, but her work had inspired her to build new connections which would further support students.
She said teacher aides got to know students as individuals, which helped
them to advocate for the best learning support. It was very much a collaborative role shared with the teachers though, she
said. ‘‘Two pairs of eyes in a classroom are much better than one.’’
Mostly working with high school