Education support services are essential to the overall learning experience. They help students succeed and thrive, and improve teacher quality and satisfaction.
Education Support is a UK charity that champions good mental health and wellbeing for teachers and all education staff. Its services include counselling and telephone advice. The charity was formed in 2015 from the merger of three sister organisations: Teacher Support Network, Recourse and Worklife Support.
1. Identify your needs and goals.
When it comes to education support, there are a wide range of options available. Depending on your needs and goals, you may want to consider getting help with homework, finding a tutor or mentor, or receiving career guidance. You can also find information and resources on the internet, through books or other publications, or by talking to friends or family members.
Education support services can benefit students by improving their academic outcomes, fostering innovation and collaboration, and strengthening accountability and governance. They can also strengthen educational institutions and systems by providing guidance, resources, and training.
Educators can use education support services to enhance their teaching and professional development, such as through coaching, mentoring, or communities of practice. However, they can face challenges in delivering and utilizing education support services, such as lack of time, resources, or training. They can also experience resistance, conflict, or misunderstanding from their peers or students.
2. Research your options.
Education support services can help students, teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders meet their needs and address the challenges and opportunities in their education systems. These services can include a wide range of activities and programs, including tutoring, mentoring, counseling, coaching, assessment, evaluation, and accreditation. They can also be provided by a wide variety of actors, such as peers, parents, volunteers, experts, and organizations.
Education supporters can be found in schools of all types and sizes, from public to private. They perform a variety of tasks, such as reviewing instructor lesson plans, conducting classroom observations, and suggesting teaching techniques to improve educational effectiveness.
Education support services can also be offered through online resources and community forums. For example, Paper’s ESP platform gives students access to a live writing coach to help them develop and improve their writing skills.
3. Engage with the service.
Education support services can help learners overcome academic, personal, and social challenges that may interfere with their learning or well-being. They can also connect them with relevant resources, opportunities, and networks. As educational practice becomes increasingly collaborative, interdisciplinary, and project-based, learners will need more integrated and coordinated education support services that can provide them with holistic and seamless support throughout their learning journeys.
It’s important for educators to be as communicative as possible with education support professionals to share information about students and day-to-day classroom occurrences. A culture of shared knowledge will promote an effective and innovative staff.
Educators should also make an effort to include education support professionals in school-wide events and celebrations, such as community nights, open houses, and graduations. This shows them that their contributions to the school environment are valued, and can make a difference in student lives. It’s also a great way to model inclusivity and kindness for students.
4. Make the most of the service.
From a simple exchange with a bus driver to an IEP meeting with a paraeducator, students interact with education support professionals every day in minor and major ways. These interactions can illuminate students’ needs and influence their learning paths. It is important that schools make the most of this service to ensure student success from Pre-K through college.
Providing individualized services can help students feel valued and confident, especially in the face of challenges or setbacks. This can boost self-esteem and lead to a more resilient mindset, especially for students with special educational needs. Moreover, tailored support can foster inclusive classroom dynamics, encouraging students to recognize and celebrate their unique learning styles.
In addition, it is crucial that education support services are accessible and affordable to all students. This can be achieved by increasing the availability and quality of resources and funding. Furthermore, a learner-centered approach can allow students to select their own tutors, mentors, and counselors according to their goals, preferences, and capabilities.