Program Overview

Introduction to the Teacher Aide Paper Credit

The Teacher Aide Paper Credit is a course designed for individuals currently employed as Teacher Aides or in Learning Support roles in New Zealand schools. This course aims to further develop the knowledge and skills of Teacher Aides, with the potential to pathway into a Bachelor of Teaching qualification.

Course Overview

The course consists of three modules, each lasting three weeks, and can be taken as stand-alone components. The modules are:

• Module 1: TAIDE101 - Introduction to the Teacher Aide role, which introduces the role and responsibilities of Teacher Aides, including concepts of teaching and learning, planning and adapting for learners, and building professional relationships.
• Module 2: TAIDE102 - Supporting learners as a Teacher Aide, which explores how Teacher Aides can support learners’ wellbeing, health and safety, and specific learning, behavioural, and other needs.
• Module 3: TAIDE103 - Cultural responsiveness, diversity, and inclusion in a Teacher Aide role, which highlights the importance of inclusion and how Teacher Aides can respect and acknowledge cultural and other forms of diversity in their work within New Zealand schools.

Points and Duration

The total number of points to gain this qualification is 15, and the expected duration is 9 weeks to complete all three modules or 3 weeks per single module.

Locations

The course is offered online.

Area of Study

The course is offered under the School of Education.

Start Dates

The course can be started in two trimesters: 28 April 2025 and 1 September 2025.

Entry Requirements

The course has an open entry to those currently employed as a Teacher Aide or in a Learning Support role in a New Zealand School.

Fees and Scholarships

The estimated fees for domestic students are $954 ($318 per module) per year. Scholarships are available, and students can visit the Scholarship finder for more information.

Why Study the Teacher Aide Paper Credit?

This course introduces the role and responsibilities of Teacher Aides, including concepts of teaching and learning, planning and adapting for learners, and building professional relationships. It explores how Teacher Aides can support learners’ wellbeing and their specific learning, behavioural, and other needs. The course also highlights the importance of inclusion, with a focus on how Teacher Aides can respect and acknowledge cultural and other forms of diversity in their work within New Zealand schools.

Pathway to Bachelor of Teaching

Students who complete the Teacher Aide Course can pathway into a Bachelor of Teaching qualification. A 15-point option paper can be credited towards the Bachelor of Teaching, Primary degree upon completion of all three modules of the Teacher Aide Course. However, please note that at this time, there is no pathway into an Initial Teacher Education Programme that is Secondary School specific. Nevertheless, students can use the 15-point paper credit towards another degree programme if desired.