South Hobart Primary School Teacher Assistant and AEU member Sarah Sauer loves her job, but admits she wants to achieve more in the workplace.

“While working as a TA, I realised I have a real passion for early childhood literacy,” she said.

After hearing of the joint Department of Education and University of Tasmania Education Support Diploma, Ms Sauer chose to apply to further her studies and development.

The Diploma qualification provides Teacher Assistants with career opportunities as Education Support Specialists (ESS) in the Department. 

Any permanent TA can apply to the free course to help further develop their career.

To Ms Sauer’s delight, she was successful in her application, being one of 30 Tasmanian TAs who were last month selected from more than 60 applicants.

“This scholarship allows me the opportunity to further develop my skills and knowledge in the literacy area, and hopefully contribute more to literacy education in my school,” she said.

“Thanks to the DoE for this amazing opportunity.”

Moonah Primary’s Tania Watson took up the Diploma in recent years and said working as an ESS was a rewarding experience.

“I won the role at the end 2020 when the positions became available,” Ms Watson said.

“Over the course of my work week, I work with small groups of children, supporting them with their literacy within our school.

“It’s absolutely fantastic being in the ESS role – I love it and I can see that light at the end of the tunnel.

“It’s so rewarding to be able to provide and assist students in a better way, knowing more about how teachers operate in the classroom.”

More information about the TA Development Program can be found here.