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Welcome to the home of Australia's most popular teacher aide course - ITAC

Welcome to the home of Australia’s most popular teacher aide course. The Institute of Teacher Aide Courses (ITAC) is the pre-eminent and leading provider of nationally recognised teacher aide courses in Australia. ITAC is a specialist provider delivering research-based, best practice skills. Here's a few quick facts about ITAC:

  • ITAC has links with thousands of schools across Australia.
  • ITAC offers the only integrated teacher aide course in Australia.
  • ITAC is the only provider in Australia offering a 'true' Teacher Aide Combo.
  • ITAC is the only provider in Australia teaching a research-based curriculum.
  • ITAC is an award winning provider - our students have also won several awards.
  • ITAC's completion rate is 3x the national average according to the NCVER.
  • Australia’s largest provider of the Certificate IV in School Based Education Support.
  • ITAC has hundreds of positive reviews with a 4.7 star rating on Google and 4.9 on Facebook.
  • ITAC provide students with interest free payment plans and a 30-day no obligation period.
  • Free learner guides, audiobooks, e-books, interactive e-learning modules and live webinars.
  • ITAC's expert trainers develop all course materials in-house.
  • ITAC's trainers are registered schoolteachers - many with high-level qualifications.
  • ITAC's students can earn certificates throughout their course to boost their resume.
  • ITAC's assessments are mainly short-answer questions, quizzes and workplace tasks.
  • ITAC have published several #1 best-selling books.
  • ITAC's CEO is an advisor to government on teacher aide qualifications.

For these and many other reasons, ITAC's courses have become the standard when it comes to teacher aide training in Australia.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ITAC

KEY FACTS

DISTANCE AND ONLINE LEARNING

In today’s busy world, learners are looking for more flexible ways to learn new skills. Advances in technology allow learners to access high quality and engaging learning materials in the comfort of their own home. ITAC students can choose to study by distance which is great for those with work and family commitments. Many of our students are mothers with family commitments meaning distance/online courses are the only option. All students, regardless of mode, can contact trainers for support and attend live webinars.

Every student of the Institute of Teacher Aide Courses is provided with access to high quality support services including tutorials, workshops, webinars, phone and email support as well as regular contact from ITAC trainers. ITAC's bespoke online portal was made by ITAC for ITAC students, and contains a large library of free resources including learner guides, videos, webinars, activities, e-learning modules and free short courses.

You can read more about studying online by clicking here.

CLASS-BASED LEARNING

Class-based learning is a popular study mode and is great for students who have not studied for a while, who live closer to a training location or who simply enjoy being in class. We always recommend enrolling in a class-based mode where possible as class students are typically more successful and enjoy the experience of learning in a social setting. Hint: ITAC's classes fill up fast so get in early!

ITAC's classes start every school term in WA and run one day per week for 10 weeks. Each class introduces students to the main aspects of a topic. We think of our classes as being more like adult-orientated workshops. Classes are supplemented with activities that are completed in the comfort of your own home via ITAC's easy-to-use online learning platform.

You can read more about ITAC's class-based programs by clicking here.

students in a classroom
RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

RPL or Recognition of Prior Learning is a way for students to have their existing skills and knowledge recognised. RPL is generally quicker, easier and cheaper. Generally this means that there is no training involved – students go straight to demonstrating competence and are not ‘taught’ anything by their assessor.


You can read more about ITAC's RPL programs by clicking here.

ONLINE PORTAL

ITAC believe that our online portal is one of the best Learner Management Systems available. Made by ITAC over many years specifically for our students, ITAC's modern portal is easy to use, fast, engaging and includes a range of features to help you achieve your goals.


Learners have full access to webinars, lectures, videos, learner guides, readings, free e-books, online and printable assessments, practice activities, a simulated workplace, free short courses with printable certificates, a resume builder and many other features to help you develop your pedagogical expertise.


education support online course

Only at ITAC will you learn industry best practice skills, strategies and techniques such as explicit instruction, worked examples, formative assessment, play based learning and motivational strategies. The Institute of Teacher Aide Courses is Australia's leading provider of teacher aide courses.


AWARDS

The Institute of Teacher Aide Courses is a multi-award winning training provider. Click here to see our recent achievements.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

At the Institute of Teacher Aide Courses, we believe that Corporate Social Responsibility is at the core of everything that we do, the decisions we make, our systems and processes, and the way we treat people and communities.


As a large provider of education services, ITAC is involved in the lives of a large number of people and communities within Australia. The Institute of Teacher Aide Courses train thousands of students, who then in turn, educate thousands of children. Because of this multiplying effect, ITAC work hard to deliver the best possible programs and resources.

students in a classroom

See ITAC's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Policy on our policies page here.

MEET THE MANAGING DIRECTOR
Image of the managing director of ITAC.

While a high school English teacher by trade, Adam spent many years teaching a range of subjects including mathematics and PE.


Adam has experience teaching all grades from k-12 and has worked in rural and metro schools across Australia.


Before founding ITAC nearly 15 years ago, Adam was HOD (Head of Department) at one of the country's largest SAER schools (Students at Educational Risk) which supports students with complex behavioural and learning needs.


Adam is currently completing a doctorate at Murdoch University researching the work and training of teacher aides.




Publications

  • Providing Quality School-based Learning and Support Services: A Comprehensive Handbook for Teacher Aides, Youth Workers, Disability Workers and Anyone Working with Children in an Educational Setting
  • The Teacher Aide Training Manual (Amazon #1 best-seller in Vocational Education).
  • Teaching skills and strategies for the modern classroom (Amazon #1 best-seller in classroom management).
  • Behaviour management skills and strategies for the modern classroom (Amazon #9 best seller in classroom management).
  • High-performance teaching: How high-performing teachers maximise their students’ success (Amazon #1 best seller in classroom management).

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Education – current
  • Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary)
  • Bachelor of Accounting
  • Bachelor of Arts (Asian studies)
  • Graduate Diploma of Community Sector Management
  • Graduate Diploma of Strategic Leadership
  • Graduate Diploma of Management Learning
  • Diploma of Training Design and Development
  • Diploma of Vocational Education and Training
  • Diploma of Quality Auditing
  • Diploma of Community Services Work
  • Diploma of Education Support
  • Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
REBRANDING FROM FAST TRACK TRAINING AUSTRALIA (FTTA)

ITAC rebranded from Fast Track Training Australia (FTTA) in August 2021.

ITAC logo

The following is a statement from ITAC’s CEO, Adam Green:


“The purpose of the rebranding process is to better align the company with our specialisation and reputation as the leading provider of teacher aide courses across Australia. With thousands of partnering schools in every state and territory, a new brand seemed long overdue. We felt that a brand representing our niche area of specialisation would benefit students by providing them with a certificate that is easily recognisable by potential employers.”


Read ITAC's full media release here


COMPLIANCE

The Institute of Teacher Aide Courses (ITAC) is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Our registration number is 52215. We are regulated by the Australian Skills Quality Authority and are audited against the Standards for RTOs 2015, the Australian Qualifications Framework and other laws such as the Disability Standards for Education 2005. These laws require providers to deliver high quality and compliant training and assessment services.

Each year a sample of ITAC students and employers complete a survey about their educational experiences with ITAC. ITAC's latest Student and Employer Survey Report can be accessed by clicking here.

Our most recent VET Quality Framework audit information can be accessed by clicking here.

ITAC’s systems, processes and activities are also aligned with the following Australian and international standards:

  • AS/NZS ISO 9001:2016 Quality management systems
  • AS ISO 21001:2019 - Educational organizations - Management systems for educational organizations
  • ISO 10018:2012 Quality management - Guidelines on people involvement and competence
  • ISO 10015:1999 Quality management - Guidelines for training
  • AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems
  • AS/NZS 10002:2014 Guidelines for complaint management in organizations
  • AS ISO/IEC 38500:2016 Information technology - Governance of IT for the organisation
  • AS ISO 19600:2015 Compliance management systems
  • AS/NZS ISO 19011:2014 Guidelines for auditing management systems
  • AS ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management
ITAC proudly supports Ronald McDonald House Charities.
QLD training award 2020 state finalist
iteca membership logo
students in a classroom

ITAC'S RESEARCH-BASED TEACHER AIDE COURSES

CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support & CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support

INTRODUCTORY COURSE

CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support

The introductory teacher aide course covering all the basics of working in a school.

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HIGHER-LEVEL COURSE

CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support

The industry standard TA course with a focus on disabilities and disorders.

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TEACHER AIDE COMBO

Study two courses in one streamlined program with the Teacher Aide Combo

Save time and money by completing ITAC's popular Teacher Aide Combo.

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SAMPLE RESOURCES

Have a look at our range of sample course resources and materials

Be sure to ask your provider for a sample of their resources and assessments before enrolling.

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AUSTRALIA'S MOST POPULAR TEACHER AIDE COURSE

The industry standard in teacher aide training

GOVERNMENT FUNDING

Government funding Australia-wide to learners over 40.

AUSTRALIA'S LARGEST PROVIDER

Of the Certificate IV in School Based Education Support.

TEACHER AIDE COMBO

Australia’s only true Teacher Aide Combo – saving time and money.

MODES

Supported, self-paced online mode or class-based from 1 day per week.

30-DAY NO OBLIGATION

So you can be sure that the course is right for you.

0% PAYMENT PLANS

Select an interest free payment plan that suits your needs.

EVERYTHING INCLUDED

Free learner guides, audiobooks, e-books, live webinars & lecture library.

PLACEMENT

We visit every learner on placement to help improve their practice.

INTEGRATED STRUCTURE

Australia’s only integrated course structure means finishing sooner.

LINKS WITH INDUSTRY

Links with thousands of schools around Australia.

SUPPORT

Friendly trainers with years of experience in local schools.

RESEARCH-BASED CONTENT

Learn the best practice skills that schools now demand.

ITAC'S VIDEOS

OUR MOST WATCHED VIDEOS

Distance

In today’s busy and demanding world, adult learners are looking for more flexible ways to gain qualifications, increase their job prospects and improve their earning potential. Gone are the days where students can afford to spend 20 or 30 hours per week in classroom. Advances in technology now allows students to access high quality and engaging resources in their own home.

Many students prefer to study their course without coming into class on a regular basis. This is commonly referred to as distance learning but can also be called external, online, blended or flexible learning. These terms are very similar and generally mean that:

  • There is little or no attendance on campus
  • Most learning materials are accessed through a website portal
  • Students will often have hardcopy materials as well
  • Students will still have access to support via email and phone
  • Many students still attend tutorials for additional assistance

Flexible learning (also called blended learning) is a combination of class and distance and is where a student attends some online learning and some class based learning. There are many reasons why students choose to study by distance:

  • Classes are not held in the local area
  • Work commitments
  • Family commitments
  • Health reasons
  • A want of more flexible study times
  • Time poor for various reasons
  • Previous experience meaning classes cover existing knowledge
  • Alternative study programs or pathways
  • Regular travel or hospital stays
  • Existing worker completing a traineeships or RPL

Many courses have a work placement requirement such as aged care and child care regardless of which mode of study selected however this is usually completed in the local area.

Even though students are not attending classes, they are still able to access support services including:

  • Email and phone support
  • Booking one on one tutoring
  • Attending regularly held workshops
  • Attending some classes (subject to available places)
  • Orientation and engagement sessions early and throughout the course

The online portal is a structured learning pathway. This means that students work though activities and assessments in a structured manner. This structure is easy to follow and explained step by step. Each topic has instructions on how to complete that particular topic. Resources in the portal generally include:

  • Learner guides for each topic
  • Power point presentations
  • Links to YouTube videos and websites
  • Additional readings
  • Toolboxes with videos and a range of activities
  • Practice activities
  • Free short courses such as work skills, literacy skills and Microsoft Office
  • Assessments and assessment tips and guides
  • Lectures from your trainers

Online learning is becoming more and more popular each year and many courses now enrol more online students than class based students.

If you would like more information please speak to one of our student advisors or you can enrol using our online enrolment form at itac.edu.au

Class Based Learning

Class based learning is a popular study mode and is great for students who have not studied for a long period of time, who live closer to the training location or who simply enjoy being in class. We always recommend enrolling in a class based mode where possible as students who attend classes are typically more successful.

In today’s busy and demanding world, adult learners are looking for more flexible ways to gain qualifications, increase their job prospects and improve their earning potential. Gone are the days where students can afford to spend 20 or 30 hours per week in a classroom. Advances in technology now allows students to access high quality and engaging resources in their own home.

Flexible learning (also called blended learning) is a combination of class and distance and is where a student attends some online learning and some class based learning. Class based learning with ITAC involves the following:

  • Attend class one day per week over a period of time
  • Complete set homework activities and assessments between classes
  • Attend tutorial as needed and recommended by your trainer
  • Complete the workplace learning component
  • Regularly accessing resources and learning materials in the online portal
  • Regular contact with trainers via email, phone, individual meetings/tutorials or during class

Students tell us that they enjoy being in class for two main reasons:
Firstly, because they can easily ask questions and trainers can help students when stuck. Note that many courses have online lectures (recorded in class) for distance students.

Secondly, students enjoy the social aspect of class based learning: swapping stories, talking about the course and helping each other along the way. Many students make new friends and study together outside of class time.

There are many reasons why students choose a flexible class based study mode:

  • Attending full time is not possible
  • Work commitments
  • Family commitments
  • Health reasons
  • A want of more flexible study times
  • Time poor for various reasons
  • Previous experience meaning extensive class time is not an efficient use of time
  • Enrolled in other education programs
  • Regular travel or hospital stays

Many courses have a work placement requirement such as aged care and child care regardless of which mode of study selected however this is usually completed in the local area.

Even though students are attending classes, they are still able to access support services including:

  • Email and phone support
  • Booking one on one tutoring
  • Attending regularly held workshops
  • Attending some classes (subject to available places)
  • Orientation and engagement sessions early and throughout the course

The online portal is a structured learning pathway. This means that students work though activities and assessments in a structured manner as directed by their trainer. This structure is easy to follow and explained step by step. Each topic has instructions on how to complete that particular topic. Resources in the portal generally include:

  • Learner guides for each topic
  • Power point presentations
  • Links to YouTube videos and websites
  • Additional readings
  • Toolboxes with videos and a range of activities
  • Practice activities
  • Free short courses such as work skills, literacy skills and Microsoft Office
  • Assessments and assessment tips and guides
  • Lectures from your trainers

Flexible learning is becoming more and more popular as people become busier.

If you would like more information please speak to one of our student advisors or you can enrol using our online enrolment form at itac.edu.au

Education Support - A Guide

Education Assistants work in schools such as kindergartens, primary schools, high schools and special needs centres.

Education Assistants work under the guidance and instruction of teachers. They can work with a single student for most of the day or float in a class or a number of classes helping many different students.

Education Assistants or EAs for short can also be called integration aides, teacher aides, support workers, teacher assistants, Aboriginal and Indigenous Education Officers or AIEOs, Home Economic Assistants, or school support officers.

Some of the main tasks of an EA includes:

  • Helping individual students with activities and learning
  • Helping small groups of students with activities and learning
  • Helping students with core skills such as reading, writing and numeracy
  • Helping students who have learning difficulties, a disability or a disorder
  • Helping the teacher with behaviour management, ensuring that students are on task
  • Helping the teacher with activities such as cleaning and preparing resources
  • Ensuring that students are safe at all times

Education Assistants are most often employed to work with students who need additional support in learning or due to a disability or behavioural issues.

EAs may also work in specialist positions such as in literacy programs or youth at risk programs.

To obtain work as an EA you will need to have the following:

  • A Working with Children Check
  • Usually a police clearance is also required
  • A relevant qualification such as the Certificate III in Disability or Certificate III in Education Support
  • A suitable demeanour, attitude and presentation to work in a school environment
  • A love of working with children and other people in a team environment
  • A good quality resume and cover letter

Education Assistants undertake many community service work tasks including but not limited to:

  • Working with parents and guardians on a daily basis
  • Assisting with case management (IEPs and IBPs)
  • Organising community events such as excursions and fetes
  • Assisting vulnerable groups of people such as low-socio economic
  • Ensuring abuse and neglect is reported to supervisors
  • Obtaining funding such as grants from government departments or local businesses
  • Organising and assisting with events such as art displays
  • Working with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  • Assisting with a range of disabilities and disorders
  • Researching and informing clients of support services and networks
  • Liaising with community groups
  • Liaising with specialist case workers such as psychologists and teachers
  • Managing behaviour and learning
  • Planning activities and creating resources

Education assistants often work with children with disabilities including but not limited to:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
  • Dyslexia
  • Processing disorders
  • Developmental delay disorders
  • Foetal Alcohol Syndrome
  • Oppositional Defiance Disorder
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Mental health
  • Fragile X
  • Downs Syndrome

It is generally easy to find casual and part time work as an education assistant by putting your name down at all schools in your local area. This often leads to more permanent employment. Many education assistants work part time.

When looking for work, don’t forget special needs schools which are schools within the main school that even have their own Principal, teachers and administration staff. Over 90% of people who enrol in a course to become an education assistant are female and are often mothers who are looking for family friendly work hours.

Depending on the course and level, education assistants learn the following:

  • Safety including duty of care laws
  • Education policy and regulations
  • Supporting students literacy and numeracy learning
  • Instructional techniques (how to help students learn)
  • Techniques for working with a diverse range of people
  • Behaviour management techniques
  • Developmental domains such as cognitive, language and social development
  • Basics of and techniques for working with specific disabilities and disorders
  • Creating activities and basic planning
  • Working with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and Individual Behaviour Plans (IBPs)
  • Early Years Learning Framework implementation

Working in the education sector is challenging, rewarding and is a never ending learning curve. Rarely will you be bored working as an education assistant as each day presents a new challenge.

If you would like more information, please speak to one of our student advisors.

ABOUT US

The Institute of Teacher Aide Courses is the go-to provider for nationally recognised teacher aide courses. We provide a supportive, flexible and high-quality experience for busy adult learners.

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