Teacher aides: collaborative partnerships to support learning
By Andrea Hamilton and Jane Nicholls on September 2, 2025 in Inclusive practice
What does it really mean to work in partnership with teacher aides? This blog shares insights, experiences, and practical tips to strengthen collaboration and support every learner.
Let’s be honest - teacher aides (TAs) are the glue that holds so much of our learning support together. Whether you're in a bustling urban school or a small rural kura, chances are you’ve seen a TA quietly working magic in the background. I’ve had the privilege of working with some absolute legends over the years, and I can tell you — they’re vital to creating inclusive, thriving learning environments.
Some TAs arrive with a kete full of experience. Others are just starting out. But no matter where they’re at, every TA deserves opportunities to grow, learn, and feel confident in their role.
What TAs wish we knew
I asked a friend who’s a TA to share five things she wishes schools would think about more often. Here’s what she said:
Give us prep time - just like teachers.
Include us in staff meetings - especially those focused on student learning and professional development.
Plan for our professional growth - don’t leave it to chance.
Create a communication platform - so teachers and TAs can share updates, feedback, and learner needs.
Recognise our role as partners - we’re in this together.
What TAs actually do
Take a moment to think about what your TAs do. It probably goes way beyond this list:
Supporting targeted literacy and maths groups.
Assisting students learning English as a second language.
Helping students with physical, behavioural, or learning needs - often through IEPs.
Supervising while teachers work with individuals or small groups.
Learning matters - for everyone
In my experience, TAs are keen to learn. I’ve seen them take on sign language, second languages, neurodiversity training - you name it. Not all learning needs to be external or expensive. Tap into the expertise within your own staff. Learn together.
What matters most is helping TAs understand what to notice, recognise, and respond to in their work with students. That’s where real impact happens.
The research backs it up
In 2024, Dr Nina Hood and Dr Romy Hood published The Illusion of Inclusion. It’s a powerful read. The two key takeaways are that:
Training matters - individualised support beats one-size-fits-all.
The will is there - but lack of PD is a real barrier.
Teacher aides are essential. Give them the tools, time, and trust they need - and watch the difference it makes.
Resources you can use today
Our self-paced online courses for teacher aides are affordable, flexible, and can be done solo or in groups. They’re perfect for SENCOs or learning leaders to run as part of a professional growth cycle. Find them on our Courses page.
If you haven’t already, check out the Teachers and Teacher Aides Working Together modules on Tāhūrangi. They’re free, practical, and a great starting point.
Inclusive Education Guides help you and your TAs plan for the diverse learning needs of all ākonga.
Inclusive Practices Toolkit can support you and your team to engage in an ongoing journey towards building inclusive practices for all learners (including learners with extra support needs).
Let’s empower our TAs
And here’s a gift from our learning support team: