I’m currently a full time Real Estate Agent however my eldest starts primary school next year. It’s really hit me that I want to be apart of their lives when it comes to school, social activities and holidays etc.
So, I’ve put some thought into working at her chosen school however have no qualifications to do so.
My question for support staff and teacher aides is what did you complete and how did you go about securing your role?
9 Replies
Be prepared for lots of competition. Every 5th parent will be eying off the same few jobs for the same reason. The work is very much part time and there is no guarantee you’ll get employment everyterm.
The process depends on each state. In SA that often means a period of volunteer work while you do your study.
You will often be expected to work with kids who have disabilities so if that isn’t your calling, then you are in it for the wrong reason. It may very well be your calling, I don’t know you, but you won’t find it fulfilling and you won’t last if you go into it for the wrong reasons.
The courses depend on what state you are in.
Personally I loved being a teachers aide but I loved working with kids with disabilities.
I was an Education Assistant, I lived in a small town so it was fairly easy to get the job. I had 5 years experience and worked as a Special Needs EA but even with all that experience I failed to find a job when I moved. Where I live people stay in their positions forever, some have been EA's for over 30 years! Literally got to wait for people to die to get looked at😂. I personally think you should stick with real estate, it would be much better money and forgive me if I'm wrong but it sounds like a flexible job if you have an understanding boss.
I did the Cert III in Education Support and picked up part time work straight away in a small country town. Loved the work but couldn't live on the wage.
If you want to be a part of your children’s education, volunteer an afternoon a week, don’t quit your job for a job you may never get and are probably not suited to (given your reasons for wanting to become one).
I was in education support.
Firstly, I did the cert 4 and 120hours of practical that was associated with the course.
I found work... but, it’s mostly casualised in NSW government schools. This meant no pay over holidays/public holidays ect and it was mare minimum wage. Like $440 for the week. As I was working everyday but from 9.30-2.30 so not fantastic.
When I applied for my job, there was 140 applicants. Keep that in mind. My resume stood out because I did extra training (anaphylaxis, advanced life support, diabetes management, and a cert 2 in business administration so I could always cover office staff)
So make your resume relevant to the job if that’s what your after.
But be prepared as the hours are relatively short, and you’ll be put into classes with students with disabilities and behavioural management issues.
It can be a rewarding job, but money wise... have a plan B if you can...
Also, if your looking for school activities but want to stay in your current role then I’d recommend speaking with the P&C.. our group is amazing and spend once a week doing literacy programs, or escorting children with the teachers to the local pool and help supervise, canteen duties, and recently put together a mini stage show for Father’s Day. It’s a great way to be involved in school life.
Good luck! :)
I did a cert 3 in education support and I got my job while I was on prac, covering soemone who was off sick for six months
However, some schools have rules about parents working there, it’s very very hard to get your foot in the door, you’ll be working with kids who have learning, behaviour problems and disabilities
If you work with some special kids be prepared for nappy changes, teaching toileting and so forth.
I worked casual for six months earning $31 an hour, I now have a 10 hour a week contract but I still have to get up early every morning in case the school texts me to say I’m working.
It’s not a great wage. If I work every day I’d probably only get about 550-600 a week
But you do it for the love of kids! And wanting to help them. And be prepared for if working with behaviour problems and disabilities you might get hit, punched, bitten and more!
I’m 25 and have no children either but I love working with kids and I’m a special education teacher aide and also work in the mainstream school as well
Public primary schools do require a lot of assistance from volunteers. You could maintain your job/ steady income but be involved with the school and you choose the amount of time you put in. Just some of the jobs include:
Breakfast club
Canteen
Home reading
Setting up/ running fetes, sports days etc
Uniform shop
I would suggest volunteering first, before attempting a complete change of career.
I have watched people volunteer for 4 years before being offered a position with the school.
I’m an Integration Aide and have been for the last 5 years. I’m one of the lucky ones who has an ongoing contract (VIC). You really have to love what you do and want to do it for the right reasons, not just because you get school holidays off as it can be physically and mentally demanding, it’s not a walk in the park and the pay is not amazing. In VIC it is not a job that you need a qualification but if you have done a course it’s more favourable. It is very hard to get into, so volunteering and any extra courses you can do are a good start. Personally I wouldn’t be working at my children’s school. You become privy to a lot of confidential information about other students that you may wish you had not known about. Stick to being a parent at your child’s school and find another school