Education support is a role that can suit people who are passionate about educating younger generations and seek a healthy work-life balance. Learn about this type of job to determine if it is the right fit for you.
School children often need additional support that teachers cannot provide while instructing their class. They may need help managing their behaviour or understanding the syllabus.
Education Supporters
Education support workers provide the crucial foundation for education in our public schools. They are in classrooms, cafeterias and offices around the state. They make sure that our children are healthy and safe and ready to learn. They keep our classrooms running smoothly and efficiently. They are paraeducators, custodians, bus drivers, aides and other ancillary staff.
Students with special needs often require more attention than teachers can give in a class situation. Effective communication skills allow an education support officer to interact with these children and help them overcome their educational difficulties.
These roles are typically offered on a full-time or part-time basis and may be held at primary, secondary or college level institutions. They are usually employed during school terms and receive several weeks of holidays throughout the year. Their daily hours revolve around the school schedule and may include time in break-out rooms with small groups of children or in office administration tasks.
Children with Special Needs
Children with special needs need to be taught differently and may need non-academic support services too. These might include developmental or corrective services that are designed to ultimately increase a child’s personal and academic abilities.
A child has special educational needs if they have a learning difficulty or disability that makes it harder for them to learn than the majority of children their age. This can affect their emotional, intellectual or social development.
Many schools offer specialized education for disabled students. They might have a specific individualized education program (or IEP) that distinguishes their needs and plots out reachable learning goals that will be assessed each term along with yearly reviews.
Some children with disabilities have a hard time concentrating in class and may require extra help with their homework. This is where a teacher can be very helpful by encouraging them, giving positive reinforcement and providing a distraction-free environment. Teachers can also encourage students to participate in competitive sports such as the Special Olympics or Adaptive Sports, which pair disabled and able-bodied students on the same team.
Communication Skills
Communication skills are a critical part of the education system and are necessary for students to succeed in life. They include oral and written communication, listening, empathy, active learning and more. Communication skills are also vital for post-secondary students as they prepare to enter the workforce.
A strong foundation in communication can help students develop problem-solving skills and become better leaders. They can also build their self-esteem and improve their public speaking abilities. These are important qualities that can lead to successful careers in a variety of fields.
It’s also important for teachers to have effective communication skills because they often have to deal with parents and students. In addition, they must be able to give constructive feedback and resolve conflicts. They must also know how to communicate effectively through various channels, such as email and social media. This includes ensuring that their messages are clear, correct, concise and courtesy. A teacher’s communication skills can also impact their credibility in the classroom.
Working Conditions
Working conditions are the demands, environment and terms of a job that influence an employee’s satisfaction. They can include a wide range of factors such as health, safety and welfare facilities, ventilation, space, temperature and lighting.
Generally speaking, people with more education tend to work in jobs that offer better working conditions than those who have less. However, this is not always the case. Men with a high school diploma tend to have more strenuous physical tasks and harsh environmental conditions than men who have at least a bachelor’s degree, while women who don’t have a college degree have less rigorous tasks and milder environmental conditions than their well-educated counterparts.
A person’s working conditions can have a profound impact on their health and wellbeing, which is why many countries regulate them through legislation. These regulations are aimed at protecting employees from harmful working environments and ensuring that they have access to adequate resources. They may also address issues such as remuneration and working hours.