Education Support, which is a charity, offers financial and emotional support to teachers. It also provides advice on work-related issues. Its services are available to trainees, newly qualified teachers, serving teachers, headteachers and all education staff, including those in adult and further education.
Students have touchpoints with school staff in many ways, and those relationships can influence their learning journeys. Some forms of academic support are needs-based and involve providing supplemental or intensive instruction, practice or guidance.
Education Support Professionals
Education support professionals are the backbone of our schools. They keep kids safe, educated, supported, engaged and challenged. It’s hard to imagine schools functioning for a day without them. From cafeteria workers to paraeducators to office staff and bus drivers, ESPs work behind the scenes to make education possible.
ESPs also provide important services to students with disabilities. They can assist with tutoring or formal classes to obtain a diploma, vocational training or apprenticeship programs, college classes, community college courses and any other educational-related goals documented in the participant’s service plan.
The MTA is working to improve the lives of ESPs by winning decent wages, better working conditions and respect for their vital contributions to school communities. Join us in celebrating ESPs by asking your elected officials to recognize National ESP Day by sending them a letter. You can learn more about ESPs by visiting the MTA’s ESP webpage.
Education Support Officers
Education support officers work in schools and universities to assist students, teachers and other staff. They often take on administrative tasks such as filing and mail sorting but also perform classroom observations to help improve teaching techniques.
In a classroom environment, education support officers may provide learning support to students who are struggling academically or with behaviour. This requires patience and a good understanding of the needs of children at this age, as well as the ability to teach in a way that allows the child to understand.
Education support staff are an important part of the school community and should enjoy equal status, rights and conditions as other education personnel. This is best achieved by providing opportunities for teachers and education support personnel to participate in professional learning together. This will strengthen collaborative practice and lead to improved student outcomes. It will also enhance the capacity of the school to provide inclusive education. This can be done through a variety of means, from whole-school planning cycles to professional learning teams.
Education Counselors
Whether working at a primary or secondary school, college or even a university, education counselors provide guidance to students in crucial areas that include personal and academic development. This is a career that requires an understanding of special needs and how to support diverse students. For example, if a teacher notices that a student is having trouble in class, the counselor can help them get additional assistance and may start the special needs referral process if needed.
Educational counsellors must have excellent analytical thinking and communication skills to be successful in their job. They also need to be able to remain calm while dealing with students who may be having problems, such as anxiety or home life issues. They can offer advice to parents and teachers on how to deal with specific issues, and they are also tapped into university programs, trade schools and other professional opportunities that students might not be aware of. They also interpret administration policies and rules for their students, staff and faculty members.
Education Support Specialists
Education support specialists help students with a wide range of academic issues. They may provide guidance to students with financial, social and emotional concerns. They also help students with college applications and obtaining educational aid.
Education Support Specialists (ESP) are the backbone of every school district. From instructional assistants and cafeteria workers to bus drivers and security and technology staff, ESP members are the reason schools function smoothly and students thrive.
ESPs are full-time employees who work during school hours and have time off over the holidays. They typically report to the school principal and work collaboratively with other educational staff members. Education support specialists provide guidance to students and teachers by assisting with educational plans, providing education counseling and suggesting methods for improving teaching effectiveness.