Industry insight with Leanne Bell: TAFE College Lecturers Industry Placement Program

The role of an education assistant (EA) is a demanding one, says North Metropolitan TAFE lecturer Leanne Bell, who recently returned to the primary school environment to undertake professional development as part of the State Government’s TAFE College Lecturers Industry Placement program.

For Leanne, who has 32 years of experience as a primary school teacher and 14 years as a TAFE lecturer, her placement at Joondalup Education Support Centre, an independent Primary School specialising in education for students with special needs, has been invaluable.

“I appreciate this opportunity to return to industry, it is the best and most holistic professional development I have ever done,” Leanne said.

“The placement has given me the opportunity to drill down more deeply into the role of the teacher and the education assistant in the delivery of the WA curriculum, and the high level of support provided to students who have complex needs.”

Leanne said the opportunity for a placement has come at a great time with the TAFE delivering a brand new course.

“I have focused on and been able to examine the elements from 10 units from our new Certificate IV in School-Based Education Support course, and gather specific information that relates directly to the teaching of these units,” said Leanne, who received insights into what industry would like to communicate to future education assistants.

“Industry wants prospective EAs to know it is not ‘babysitting’ or doing craft,” she said. 

“The EAs work as paraprofessionals and are expected to have the skills that will assist children to learn a complex curriculum. 

“They will also manage very challenging behaviours and will need to be able to use a variety of techniques, including the use of technologies to support student communication.

“I believe this initiative has lifted the profile of NM TAFE as a quality training provider who cares about the standard of training for their students.”

Joondalup Education Support Centre Principal Anna Eason said the placement was very worthwhile for industry and TAFE.

“It will provide recent and relevant information for the lecturer to pass on to the TAFE students, helping them to be better prepared and understand the expectations and reality of the context,” Anna said.

“It’s very important to deliver a course that is responsive to the requirements of the role.

“Lecturers can speak first-hand about their knowledge and experience. They can also help to counsel any students when issues/complexities arise as they will have a better idea of the context.”

The State Government’s TAFE College Lecturers Industry Placement Program is an initiative designed to develop and maintain lecturers’ knowledge of current industry practices while boosting partnerships between industry and TAFE to further enhance training outcomes for students, and facilitate mutual sharing of expertise between lecturers and industry.

For more information on training opportunities visit:  www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au.

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