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Legal & Employment Information

“In learning, you will teach, and in teaching, you will learn.”

Legal & Employment Information

“In learning, you will teach, and in teaching, you will learn.”

Rights and Responsibilities

The rights and responsibilities of a Teacher Aide or Learning Assistant in New Zealand are outlined in the Teacher Aides: Draft Practice Guidelines published by the Ministry of Education.

Key rights include:

Professional Development: T/As and L/As have the right to ongoing professional development to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Fair Treatment: T/As and L/As have the right to be treated fairly and respectfully by their colleagues and supervisors.
Safe Working Environment: T/As and L/As have the right to a safe and supportive working environment.
Clear Roles and Responsibilities: T/As and L/As have the right to have their roles and responsibilities clearly defined and understood.

The responsibilities will vary depending on your individual employment agreement with your school. However, they may include some of the following:

Providing in-class support to the teacher to deliver the curriculum
Delivering specific learning programmes to students
Facilitating student assessment
Providing cultural support for students
Supporting the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of tamariki
Supporting inclusion in school and among peers
Building relationships and communicating with students
Working with students to help them become well-rounded individuals
Managing challenging behaviour and behavioural issues
Providing care and support for medical conditions
Working with specialists and external agencies
Supporting students’ extracurricular activities, trips and events outside of school grounds

Additional Considerations:

Teacher Aides are not qualified teachers. Their role is to support the teacher, not to take on the responsibilities of a teacher.
The specific roles and responsibilities of a T/As or Learning Assistant may vary depending on the school, the age of the students, and the individual needs of the students.
It is important for Teacher Aides to have a clear understanding of their role and to work collaboratively with the teacher to ensure the best possible outcomes for students.

Key Legal Considerations

No Formal Qualifications Required: While helpful, there is no mandatory qualifications to become a teacher aide or learning assistant.
Police Check: A criminal record check is essential for working with children.
Child Protection: Teacher aides have a legal and ethical responsibility to report any concerns about child abuse or neglect.
Health and Safety: Schools must provide a safe working environment, and learning assistants have rights under health and safety legislation.
Privacy: Teacher aides must maintain student confidentiality and comply with privacy laws.
Professional Conduct: Expected standards of behavior and conduct apply to teacher aides and learning assistants.
Employment Agreements: Teacher aides should have a clear employment agreement outlining their roles, responsibilities, and conditions of employment.
Union Membership: While not compulsory, joining a union like the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI Te Riu Roa) can provide support and advocacy.

Support Staff in Schools Collective Agreement

This agreement defines the employment terms and conditions for support staff in schools, covering pay, leave entitlements, professional development opportunities, and workplace rights to ensure fair and equitable treatment.

Supportive Network Links

A Practical Guide for Teacher Aides

This guide outlines quality practices for teacher aides, providing practical strategies to enhance student learning and support classroom environments. It highlights effective collaboration, inclusive education, and the key skills needed to make a meaningful impact.

Teacher Aide Pay Equity Claim – FAQ

Find answers to common questions about the teacher aide pay equity claim, including how it impacts salaries, job responsibilities, and recognition of the valuable work teacher aides do in supporting students and schools.

NZEI Te Riu Roa – Learning Support Agreements

Explore agreements that shape working conditions for learning support staff, ensuring fair pay, career progression, and improved support for those who help students with diverse learning needs.

Where to Find More Information

Ministry of Education: Their website may have resources specifically for teacher aides.
NZEI Te Riu Roa: The union can provide information on rights and support for teacher aides.
School Board of Trustees: Your school’s board can clarify specific policies and procedures.
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice.
Please note: Laws and regulations can change, so it’s always best to consult with relevant authorities or seek professional legal advice for specific situations.

Legal & Employment Information

Legal & Employment Information

Rights and Responsibilities

Key rights include:

Additional Considerations:

Key Legal Considerations

Support Staff in Schools Collective Agreement

Supportive Network Links

A Practical Guide for Teacher Aides

Teacher Aide Pay Equity Claim – FAQ

NZEI Te Riu Roa – Learning Support Agreements

Where to Find More Information

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