Education Assistants are an essential part of creating inclusivity within education environments. Public school systems, private schools, individual education programs, all are expanding to accommodate those with various disabilities.
Those who have a dear friend or family member who has needed an education assistant often make great candidates to work in the role themselves, especially when they have been involved in the individual’s care. However, that personal experience isn’t enough. In order to be in-demand and skilled in the role, it’s important to take an education assistant course.
Why You Need an Education Assistant Course to Succeed
Taking teaching assistant courses like the Ashton College Education Assistant diploma program will provide an understanding of and appreciation for the demand for specialized training in the field. So while you may have helped an individual with autism, you may not understand how their learning style and personal needs differ from someone with ADHD. Initially, your choice may be to work with individuals with one kind of educational need, but you may change your mind and choose to work explore the wide range of child, youth and adult needs in a classroom or educational context. Specialized teaching assistant courses deliver the information and skills needed to do so.
Without an education assistant course, it is unlikely someone could fully appreciate the nuances of learning disabilities (auditory processing disorder, dyslexia, visual perceptual/visual motor deficit, etc.), communication disorders (those that affect speech and those that affect language), emotional and behavioural disorders (ADD, ADHD, etc.), developmental disabilities (autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, etc.) and physical disabilities (muscular dystrophy, spinal bifida, etc.). When considering your teaching assistant course, look for one with instructors who have had experience in the field and understand how to deliver program information that expands upon your personal experience with a loved one and provides more context and a greater skillset.
Skills Needed to Excel as an Education Assistant
Education assistants do best in the field when they possess some specific characteristics. These individuals have an even-temperament and are good natured. They can be creative in their communication and teaching styles and accept people of all abilities as they are. They will also be confident, organized, positive and thick-skinned because the job (while incredibly rewarding) can come with its challenges.
Those with special needs can have behaviours that, for some, are hard to cope with. Communication can be difficult and it may seem that a setback in education is a massive issue. This is where the characteristic of patience pays off. For those that can manage the challenges, seeing clients thrive is the greatest reward possible. A sense of humour is also important in order to communicate with levity in situations wherever possible and share that with students, their families and the other teachers.
Personal Experience is a Great Asset and Preparation Tool
Having an education assistant course as your education combined with personal experience with someone with learning disabilities can give you the background and experience needed to be an excellent education assistant. Personally working with those with disabilities will provide the practical experience and compassion needed to apply the education in real-life settings.
Being an informal care-giver allows you to build your empathy and understanding of the individual you are helping while also giving you knowledge around their disability and how they best learn. With a formal education, that applied knowledge will grow and enable you to more quickly identify how others with different disabilities learn, react and interact.
The combination of personal experience and interaction combined with practical education will not only make you better in your role, but it will also likely ensure that you enjoy your career to its fullest.
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