Introduction
The role of an educational assistant is very important. They help and guide students throughout their school lives, ensuring that they have successful educational outcomes. However, educational assistants do not do this alone. This Webquest will explain to you the importance of having a positive relationship with the teacher and the principal and how each individual has an impact on the success of the student. The principal and teacher are able to ensure that the EA is able to do their job well, if they can communicate and work together.
It is important to have a positive relationship with the principal and teacher to establish clear roles expected of the EA, in and outside of the classroom. It is also important for the EA to discuss future outcomes and goals for specific students with these individuals. It is the principal's responsibility to stress the importance of student confidentiality. Discussing and becoming familiar with the teacher's teaching philosophy and classroom management is also important for the EA.
Process
The key to teachers and EAs working together is communication. Research shows that teachers who make time for scheduled meetings with their EAs enjoy more positive working relationships. Meeting regularly is a demonstration of partnership. As an EA, knowing what your job is and what the teachers' jobs are is extremely important. EAs and teachers have different jobs, but they do them together. For example, teachers will give out instruction, and EAs will help the students that may struggle with this instruction. EAs and teachers should work as partners. It is important for EAs and teachers to take some time to discuss their separate roles and expectations. Students benefit the most when EAs and teachers communicate their ideas and work together. The role of an EA varies at every school, but participation in planning so that the EA has a full grasp on the lesson is essential. Both the teacher and EA facilitate the inclusion of students with special needs. It is their joint role to encourage the student to become an independent learner and member of the classroom and community. If the EA and the teacher can communicate well, it will ensure successful outcomes for the students.
https://etfovoice.ca/feature/building-strong-classroom-partnerships
http://revelstoketeachers.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/RolesAndResponsibilitiesTeachersTAs.pdf
Another important member who works alongside the classroom teacher and the EA is the school principal. The principal is responsible for overseeing the school as a whole and being the team leader. They are a trusted contact for all parents and teachers. They are also the main point of contact between teachers and the school board. If more support for a student is requested, the principal would review the request and either approve it, or suggest another approach. It is important for the school principal to have a good working relationship with the teachers and EAs working within their school. To establish a positive and professional relationship with an EA and a principal, it is very important to have open communication and work cooperatively as a team to be effective and efficient. EAs must communicate when they are having a problem with a student or need advice, and principals should often be checking in with their teachers and EAs to see how the classrooms are doing.
http://questgarden.com/189/39/5/160517170251/credits.htm
Conclusion
In conclusion, teachers, educational assistants and principals can ensure successful outcomes for their students when they work together and communicate. Teachers produce the lesson plans that an educational assistant will follow. They also provide guidance to the educational assistant and other students.
The principal oversees the school as a whole and classroom operations. They also provide guidance and leadership to teachers and educational assistants. Together, the teacher, educational assistant and principal along with other support staff can create a healthy, inclusive and positive environment in which all students can succeed.