Culturally responsive practice and disability

Why this course is relevant for teacher aides

Māori and Pacific learners, and young people with disability and learning support needs continue to be underserved in the education system. As a result, they many akonga throughout Aoteaora New Zealand struggle to meet their potential.

Teacher aides are key to making sure that learning programmes are inclusive and fully reflect the diverse needs of our education communities. Teacher aides can build their understanding of where culturally responsive practice and disability overlap. This will help you as your work with the ākonga you support, their whanau, and their classroom teachers.

What to expect

This is a self-directed online course. You work through it at your own pace.

The online course takes you through the key things you need to know about culturally responsive practice and disability. You will look at key frameworks, such as Te Whare Tapa Wha, and learn practical strategies you can use as a teacher aide.

You will be supported by your facilitator as you work through the online course. They will give you feedback on discussions and can answer any questions.

Learning outcomes

You will:

• develop an understanding of the importance of cultural identity, with particular reference to disability and learning support needs

• understand the meaning of the term ‘culturally responsive practice’

• recognise how the principles of Te Tiriti ō Waitangi support inclusive, culturally responsive ways of working with learners who have disabilities

• discuss how to implement strategies to support ākonga in culturally responsive ways

• develop knowledge of the skills required when working in culturally appropriate ways with whānau who have tamariki with disabilities

• contribute to discussion about the holistic framework Te Whare Tapa Whā and the emphasis on hauora, (wellbeing), developed by Sir Mason Durie.

Who this course is for

This course is suitable for grade A, B, C, or D teacher aides.

How this course is delivered

This is an online course.

How this course aligns to the Teacher Aide Competencies

This course connects to these competencies:

• Physical

• neurodiversity

• behaviour

• inclusion

• wellbeing

• learning support

• professional skills

How much time to complete this course

This course will take you about three hours to complete. You can work at your own pace. You have one school term to complete this course.

Your investment

This workshop costs $200 + GST per participant.

Teacher aides who have applied for funding from the Ministry of Education. Please note you will NOT be able to enrol unless you have received your teacher aides' application reference number (ARN). This number is needed to register for this course.

For information on the process of applying for Ministry funding and to access the full terms and conditions, including details on possible travel costs, please visit the Ministry of Education’s website.

Easy to follow application process

Click on the image below to see the easy to follow Teacher aide MOE PLD application process.

Teacher aide MOE PLD application process