Professional Development for Teaching Assistants
– The Teaching Assistant Pathway
Develop professional skills and knowledge to support teaching, student learning and school communities through the Mastery Teaching Pathway (MTP). The Teaching Assistant Pathway supports teacher aides and education support staff to become skilled, effective contributors to classroom instruction, child development and parent engagement. It provides structured, role-specific professional learning aligned to nationally recognised qualifications.
Develop Essential School Support Skills
Build confidence with practical, evidence-based modules that strengthen classroom support, student engagement and learning routines.
Access Flexible, Recognised Pathways
Participate in a structured teaching assistant course delivered through GGSA Membership, with evidence contributing towards nationally recognised accreditation through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Contribute to Whole-School Success
Support teachers and students, strengthen communication with families and contribute to consistent, high-quality instructional practice across the school.
Teaching Assistant Learning Plan
When participants join the GGSA Membership Platform and select the Teaching Assistant role, a personalised Teaching Assistant Learning Plan is automatically generated.
The Learning Plan:
• tracks required prerequisite, core and elective modules
• outlines learning targets, milestones and certification options
• identifies required knowledge, skills and support practices
• records certificates of completion and mastery evidence.
The plan aligns day-to-day classroom support work with school-wide improvement goals and clearly shows progression opportunities.
How the Pathway Works
Join and Create Your Learning Plan
Join the GGSA Membership Platform and access a personalised Teaching Assistant Learning Plan that tracks progress, modules and certification options.
Complete Prerequisite Modules
Start with two prerequisite modules:
Learn Effective Teaching Essentials
Learn Cycles of School Practice
Complete Classroom Support Core Modules
Complete core modules that develop skills to support effective instruction, behaviour routines and student learning.
Apply Learning in Classroom Support Roles
Apply learning by assisting with lesson delivery, supporting student engagement and maintaining consistent classroom routines.
Evidence, Certification and RPL
Certificates of Completion are issued for each module and stored in the Evidence Portfolio. Once required evidence is complete, GGSA submits the portfolio to the selected RTO or university for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment.
Extend with Electives (Optional)
Select elective or practice modules to support curriculum delivery, specialised student needs or progression into advanced roles.
What You Will Learn
Teaching assistant professional learning modules provide practical, evidence-based skills to support effective teaching and student learning.
Supporting Classroom Instruction
Assisting teachers with lesson delivery and instructional routines.
Student Engagement Techniques
Supporting individual students and small groups effectively.
Evidence-Based Practices
Applying strategies that improve literacy, numeracy and learning outcomes.
Professional Collaboration
Working collaboratively with teachers, coaches and school leaders.
Mastery Teaching Support Foundation Course
Access to the Mastery Teaching Support Foundation Course provides foundational knowledge and skills required for the teaching assistant role.
This course aligns with the Certificate IV in School-Based Education Support and includes structured module-based learning, assessment and supervised practice.
Participants who complete the Foundation Course may receive up to 95 per cent Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) when enrolling in the Certificate IV, subject to provider assessment.
Government-funded traineeships and employer subsidies may be available in some states and territories.
Mastery Teaching Support Advanced Course
The Advanced Course is designed for teaching assistants who have completed the Foundation Course and wish to progress further along the Mastery Teaching Pathway.
This course supports two distinct pathways:
• Fast-tracking into a teaching career through supported university study and work-based evidence.
• Specialising in effective teaching support without undertaking a teaching degree.
Evidence completed in this course may contribute towards Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for teaching degrees or advanced education qualifications, depending on provider assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read through our FAQs to get answers to our most common queries.
Want to get in touch? Send our team an email at info@goodtogreatschools.org.au. We are happy to help.
What is the teaching assistant career pathway?
The teaching assistant career pathway is a structured program designed to build the knowledge and skills required to support teaching and learning effectively in school environments.
How do I become a teaching assistant through this pathway?
Participants follow a personalised Learning Plan that guides them through required modules, practical application and evidence collection aligned to the teaching assistant role.
What types of teaching assistant qualifications can be achieved?
Participants can work towards nationally recognised teaching assistant qualifications, including the Certificate IV in School-Based Education Support, with RPL assessed by partner providers.
Can I study the teaching assistant course online or at home?
Yes. Modules are delivered through the GGSA Membership Platform and can be completed flexibly alongside school-based work.
What are the career prospects after completing the teaching assistant career pathway?
Graduates are well-positioned for education support roles, advanced support positions or progression into teaching pathways, depending on their goals.
What will I get out of this course?
You will gain practical skills to support effective instruction, strengthen student engagement and contribute confidently to classroom and school-wide practice.
How will it increase my job prospects?
Completing this pathway demonstrates your capability and commitment to professional growth. It supports applications for education support roles and provides a strong foundation for progression into teaching or specialist support positions.