Learning support assistant
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work part time
- Usually work in schools and kura and may travel locally
- May do emotionally demanding work
- Need to be responsible, organised and communicate well
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Help teachers plan and teach
- Support students with disabilities
- Modify teaching materials for student needs
- Set up and tidy learning areas
- Encourage students
- Create technology-based learning materials
- Help develop learning programmes
- Find and create learning resources
- Discuss student progress with caregivers and whānau
Outlook
Learning support is receiving continued attention as schools work to improve access, participation and achievement for learners with different needs. In New Zealand, inclusive education, neurodiversity, wellbeing and culturally responsive practice are shaping support services. Demand depends on school funding and learner needs. Digital learning tools can provide new ways to support students, but they do not replace the value of personalised assistance.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Patience, empathy and respectful communication with learners
- Ability to support individual learning plans and classroom activities
- Understanding of inclusion, neurodiversity and learner wellbeing
- Ability to follow guidance from teachers and specialist staff
- Cultural responsiveness and respect for learners’ identities
- Reliability, organisation and careful observation skills
AUT programmes
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.