How to become a teacher's aide

Is this career a good fit for you?

Teacher’s aides work alongside teachers to support children who need extra help in the classroom.

You’re a great fit for a career as a teacher’s aide if you:

• Feel energised by working closely with children and young people each day

• Have a calm, patient nature and can adapt when plans change

• Enjoy supporting students one-on-one or in small groups rather than leading the whole class

• Feel confident assisting learners with diverse needs and abilities

• Are comfortable being on your feet, moving between classrooms and playgrounds

• Appreciate structured routines and school-hour schedules

What does a teacher's aide do?

Working as a teacher’s aide (also known as an education support worker or a learning support assistant) is deeply rewarding, filled with hands-on support and meaningful connection.

You’ll work in primary and secondary schools under the supervision of teachers, focusing on one-on-one and small group support rather than leading the class yourself. You’ll also support teachers in organising and preparing learning resources.

Daily tasks

• Assist individual children with social, emotional or behavioural skills, especially children with disabilities or learning difficulties.

• Follow direction and collaborate with teachers and other school staff.

• Help prepare classroom materials and resources, such as organising equipment, photocopying, ordering materials and handing out papers.

• Help the lead teacher with non-teaching supervisory duties in the classroom, playground and on excursions.

• Assist with literacy and numeracy activities, working with students one-on-one or in small groups.

• Provide emotional support and maintain confidentiality where required.

• Support students with personal care needs if necessary.

The level of responsibility varies depending on experience, qualification level, and the specific school setting.

How to become a teacher’s aide in Australia

To become a teacher’s aide, you usually need to:

1. Complete a Certificate III in School Based Education Support. This is the standard entry-level qualification for teacher’s aide roles in Australia.

2. Apply for roles in primary or secondary schools. Teacher’s aides work in government, Catholic, independent and special education settings.

3. Earn a Certificate IV in School Based Education Support if you want to build your skills or prepare for roles with more responsibility.

Considering university study?

University is not usually required to become a teacher’s aide, but some students choose to continue their education to build their skills or prepare for further study.

Through Open Universities Australia, you can sample education qualifications by enrolling in Open Access subjects, which do not require you to meet any entry requirements. If you choose to continue into a degree later on, these subjects count as academic credit.

Some students complete an entry-level qualification, like an Undergraduate Certificate in Education Support (or similar) or Associate Degree in Education Support (or similar) to broaden their knowledge for future study.

If you’re unsure whether progressing beyond a Certificate III aligns with your goals, you can book a consultation with one of our student advisors. They can walk you through outcomes, study load and career pathways so you can make a confident decision.

Salary, career progression and job demand

The average teacher’s aide salary in Australia

Teacher’s aides are not covered by the Teachers Award, so pay rates may vary between schools more than they do for teachers.

As a full-time teacher’s aide, you can expect to earn about $60,000 per year. But many roles are part-time or only during school terms, which affects annual earnings. Your rate of pay may vary according to factors including:

• State or territory

• School sector (government, Catholic or independent)

• Years of experience

• Level of qualification

• Additional responsibilities (e.g. inclusion support)

Career pathways for teacher’s aides

Starting as a teacher’s aide can open several career pathways, including:

• Specialising in disability or inclusion support

• Moving into senior education support roles

Many teacher’s aides later pursue a Bachelor of Education to become a primary school teacher or a secondary school teacher. Starting out as a teacher’s aide can be a good way to get practical experience working in a school while you’re studying. Your prior study and experience may also make you eligible to complete your teaching degree in a shorter time.

If you’re considering long-term progression into teaching or leadership, planning your study pathway early can make a difference.

Is there a demand for teacher’s aides in Australia?

Demand for teacher’s aides is generally steady in Australia. Schools continue to need support staff to help students in the classroom and assist teachers with day-to-day learning activities. Jobs and Skills Australia lists 74,800 people employed in the role nationally.

Accreditation and professional bodies

Because teacher’s aides are not registered teachers, you won’t require formal teacher registration.

However, you will typically need:

• A Working with Children Check (or state equivalent)

• National Police Check

• First Aid certification (in some schools)

If you plan to later become a registered teacher, you’ll need to complete an accredited Bachelor of Education or postgraduate teaching qualification and register with your state’s teacher regulatory authority.

Related careers

You may also want to consider these related roles. Each differs in qualification level, autonomy and responsibility.

Teach in schools

Remain within the school setting but take on more responsibility. Becoming a teacher involves more study at a university level and maintaining teacher registration within your state or territory.

• Primary school teacher

• Secondary school teacher

• Special education teacher

Work with younger children

If you’re drawn to nurturing younger children through play-based learning, consider the variety of opportunities in early childhood education centres and preschools.

• Early childhood educator

• Early childhood teacher

• Early intervention specialist

Teach outside of schools

Tempted to teach but prefer not to work in a school? Consider one of these more specialised options.

• Private tutor

• TESOL teacher

• Vocational education teacher

• University lecturer

Support the education industry

If you prefer the administration and policy side of education, roles exist in government, industry bodies and other organisations that support schools and educational systems.

• Education advisor

<sup>Sources (accurate as of March 2026):
* The Australian Government's Jobs and Skills website</sup>

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