Providing research, anecdotes, and practical insights from leading scholars and professionals, The Role of an Education Assistant acts as a guide for navigating the complexities of the education assistant role, from collaborating with teachers and students in lesson planning to creating inclusive learning environments.
This updated second edition includes expanded content across all chapters and new content highlighting diverse perspectives, Indigeneity, gender, and sexuality. In addition, there are new “Actions in the Field” segments at the end of each section which outline strategies and activities for field practice and professional development.
Featuring topical scholarship, an emphatically Canadian perspective, discussion questions, and timely case studies, this is a critical text for college and university students in education studies, education assistant programs, and professionals currently working in the field.
FEATURES
guides students through the complexities of the role of an education assistant with research, anecdotes, and practical advice from scholars and professionals
includes updated content on broadened perspectives in cultural diversity, gender, and sexuality
includes the brand new “Actions in the Field” segments, providing students with strategies and activities for implementing what students have learned in their professional practice
Foreword: Catriona Johnson
Preface
Section I: The Education Assistant
Role of an Education Assistant Chapter 1: From the Margins to the Centre: Education Assistants as Inclusion Facilitators Cornelia Schneider Chapter 2: Education Assistants as Advocates Alison Taplay and Joanie Chestnut
The Education Assistant as a Professional Chapter 3: What Makes an Outstanding Education Assistant? Best Practices in the Field Victoria Johnston-Hatch Chapter 4: The Education Assistant–Teacher Partnership in the Classroom: Maximizing Returns Nan Stevens and Susan McKay
Section II: Mental Health and Wellness
Behaviour Chapter 5: Understanding and Honouring Communicative Intent: Shifting from Judgment to Curiosity with Kindness and Intention Jane Green, Michelle Pozin, and Lisa Gates Chapter 6: Trauma Sensitivity in the Classroom: Developing Trusting Relationships Mary Harber and Asha Rao
Social Emotional Learning Chapter 7: Social and Emotional Learning and the Work of Education Assistants Nancy Norman, Janine Fajenski, and Jessica Mantel Chapter 8: The Role of the Education Assistant in Developing Play, Recreation, and Social Skills Joan Astren Chapter 9: Finding Connection: Developing Social Competence Mary Harber
Section III: Cultural Diversity
Indigenous Chapter 10: Cultural Safety: A Foundation for Working with Indigenous Students Joanne Mitchell
Intercultural Chapter 11: Response-able Pedagogy: Fostering a Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Educational Environment Greg Ogilvie Chapter 12: The Role of Education Assistants in Helping “Young Ambassadors” Form Self-Determined Identities Jeffrey MacCormack and Lindsay Morcom
Section IV: Supporting All Students
Classroom Inclusion Chapter 13: Education Assistants as Inclusive Leaders in Classrooms Linda Hill
Academics Chapter 14: Supporting Academics Heather Wik and Barbara Eckersley Chapter 15: Collaborative Strategies and Resources for the Classroom Kyla Cleator Chapter 16: Transition: The Journey to Adulthood Asha Rao and Jane Litman
Contributors Biographies
Biography
Mary Harber BA, BSW, MSW, has been a social worker and educator for the past 30 years, supporting individuals, families, and communities in the areas of substance use and prevention, trauma support, and creative intervention methods in practice. She has worked in the field of disabilities with a focus on healthy sexuality, social competence, and diverse learning needs. She teaches at Camosun College in Victoria, British Columbia, and believes in the capacity of innovation and creativity to facilitate change.
Asha Rao is the program lead of the Education Assistant and Community Support Program and faculty in the Community, Family, and Child Studies Department at Camosun College. She has been an educator locally and internationally for over 16 years and focuses her work on inclusive education, mental health and wellness, and creativity in practice.
