Blog

Guide on the Side: The Role of the Educational Assistant

Posted at 25th May, 2019, 10:57:00 in Uncategorized // by coastalcollegeofbc

By Dr. Ashleigh Molloy

The noble role of an educational assistant (also referred to as teaching assistant or paraprofessional) is paramount as a “guide on the side” for students. The E.A. is part of a dynamic duo working alongside of the teacher. The common goal of this collaboration is to provide an improved student learning experience.

This partnership will be strengthened through following these practices:

  • Develop a respectful working relationship with the teacher through on going communication.
  • Avail of opportunities for professional development and training on curriculum technology and policy.
  • Following implementation of a lesson, report to the teacher on the studentoutcome. Too hard? Too easy?
  • Articulate your needs. Share your frustrations and challenges with the teacher.
  • Utilize the Internet to expand your knowledge of specific student disabilities.
  • Utilize the Internet to search for sample lesson ideas to share with your teacherpartner.
  • Attentive listening
  • Ensure that the implementation plan for all lessons is mutually understood.

Of course, in all that you do you will be helping your students learn social skills, including the skills involved in making friends. Wherever possible, help students with and without disabilities to connect meaningfully and to appreciate each other. In this, you can be an important model for how to relate to your students.

Education Assistants  perform invaluable service for students with exceptionalities.

They can be proud of their greatest gift to the education system:
their service to those students who are most in need of facilitation to being the best that
they can be.

Tags :

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts

Role of the Education Assistant

As an Education Assistant (Certified Education Assistant) you have a special role. You are usually the person who spends the most time with a student during the school day. You are also likely one of...

25th May, 2019 | coastalcollegeofbc
Guide on the Side: The Role of the Educational Assistant

By Dr. Ashleigh Molloy The noble role of an educational assistant (also referred to as teaching assistant or paraprofessional) is paramount as a “guide on the side” for students. The E.A. is p...

25th May, 2019 | coastalcollegeofbc
Benefits of Education Assistant Program

Interested in the field of education? The Education Assistant Program at Coastal College of British Columbia (CCBC) can assist you in many ways. Becoming an Education Assistant is a great career in...

14th September, 2017 | coastalcollegeofbc