An increasing number of schools, both in metropolitan and regional areas, are beginning to realise the positive influence that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education officers have on the quality of learning for Indigenous students.


In Western Australia there are 530 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education officers. About 25% of them work in the Perth metropolitan area and just over 30% work in the Kimberley region. The remainder work in most of the State's other regions.

The majority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education officers are female. However, there has been an increase in males entering this occupation.

Each year, about 20 people commence the Certificate III in Teacher Assistant (Indigenous) and the Certificate IV in Teacher Assistant (Indigenous).

Each year, small numbers also commence the Certificate III in Aboriginal & Islander Education Worker traineeship.

Teaching While Increasing Cultural Awareness

Many of us aspire to a career in which we can make a meaningful contribution to our community as well as enriching the lives of others. As an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) education officer, you have an opportunity to assist in the development of young Aboriginal people and to make whole school communities aware of Indigenous history, language and culture.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education officers provide support and assistance to Indigenous students in their pursuit of learning. People in this occupation usually work in schools where high numbers of Indigenous students are enrolled.


Common Ground

''I knew that I'd like to work with Aboriginal children and I can see now that my being there for the kids makes a real difference. It helps them having someone like me to turn to,'' says Ken Lindley, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education officer.

Ken Lindley, and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education officers like Melissa May, work alongside teachers in a classroom environment.

''We're all in the same classroom and the Aboriginal students learn the same subjects as the non-Indigenous students, but my role is to work with the Aboriginal children. When a student is struggling, I assist them in whichever way I can,'' says Melissa.

''Aboriginal students have their own culture at home and then they come to school and are trying to adjust to another system. I speak to them at their own level, but I also try to get them to understand the way the wider school community operates - so they have the best of both worlds,'' says Ken.

ATSI education officers contribute to creating a welcoming and supportive learning environment. By providing pastoral care, their role is designed to increase students' participation and achievement in the school environment.

''Many of the students have low self-esteem and, if they're not coping at school, then it's important for them to have someone to turn to. I just encourage them and let them know that they're as good as anybody,'' says Ken.


Reporting On Progress And Problems

A significant part of ATSI education officers' work is to provide feedback to parents/guardians and teachers about the students' progress, and to address any of the problems students may be having.

''I then devise strategies to help the students overcome these problems. I might help students who are not attending school or meet with the student's parents at their home,'' says Melissa.

Promoting and maintaining communication networks between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, their parents/guardians, the Indigenous community and the school is a really significant part of the job. Education Officers, for example, may organise classroom activities designed to promote greater understanding of Indigenous culture.

''Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education officers have an important role in the operation of a school. They provide a vital link in strengthening communication channels within the school community,'' says a Western Australian Department of Education spokesperson.


Building Rapport


Aboriginal people are employed in this role because of their ability to facilitate appropriate learning for other Aboriginal students. Someone interested in this occupation should be very committed to the aims of educating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and possess excellent communication skills in order to build rapport and trust with all members of the school community.

They work normal school hours, but they are often employed on a part-time basis.

The demand for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education officers is closely related to the number of Aboriginal students in schools and the level of available education funds.

Opportunities exist for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education officers to progress into teaching positions. Aboriginal Specialist Teachers have a teaching and coordinating role, providing curriculum delivery and support to Aboriginal students. In order to progress to this position, you will be assessed on your previous experience. You will also need to undertake further professional development.

Aboriginal Specialist Teachers may also choose to gain the necessary educational qualification to become a four-year trained teacher.



For information about the earning capacity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education officers please click on the Australian Government Workplace Authority website below.

To become an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education officer, you must be of Aboriginal descent. There are no specific education requirements, however, it may be advantageous to have completed a certificate in Indigenous education.

The Certificate III in Teacher Assistant (Indigenous) is offered at the Carlisle and Joondalup campuses of TAFE. The Certificate IV is only available through Carlisle. Both courses are offered to all Aboriginal people. For further information, contact a campus direct or check out the TAFE website below.

Another pathway into the occupation worth considering is through the Aboriginal and Islander Education Worker traineeship. For further information, contact the Australian Apprenticeships Hotline on 13 38 73 (local call cost).

	Other Training Providers
	National Training Information Service website.
	TAFE Colleges
	Homepage links and contact details for all TAFE Colleges in WA.
	TAFE Handbook
	An online guide to full-time TAFE courses throughout WA.

Department of Education and Training
151 Royal Street East Perth WA 6004 Ph: (08) 9264 4111 Fax: (08) 9264 5005 URL: http://www.det.wa.edu.au

School of Indigenous Australian Studies (ECU)
Edith Cowan University 2 Bradford St Mt Lawley WA 6050 Ph: (08) 9273 8665 or 1800 648 994 Email: kk@ecu.edu.au URL: http://www.kk.ecu.edu.au

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The pathway to becoming an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education officer has been an interesting and busy one for Rae-Marie Tallis. Before she began working as an education officer, Rae-Marie worked as an hairdresser and as a waitress, all while raising her family. Once her decision to change career paths was made, Rae-Marie then embarked on a degree in education.

Rae-Marie says that her hard work paid off and her dream to teach became a reality when she was contacted by a local high school and asked to work with Aboriginal students. Naturally, she leapt at the chance to begin her new role.

''I help teachers with their programs by developing activities and organising materials for classes, whether it be for art, information technology or any subject. I also spend two days a week in the library, teaching students how to use computers and how to use the Internet for research. It's a very hands-on role.''

Another of Rae-Marie's roles in the school is to further the reconciliation process.

''I work with both non-Indigenous and Aboriginal children. I encourage all children to feel proud of their different cultural backgrounds.''

Rae-Marie's work as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education officer is not just confined to the school. A major part of her work involves visiting parents to discuss their child's academic progress. Rae-Marie finds that it's a really important part of the job because it encourages parents to get more involved in their children's schooling as well as the school community.

''I really like children and I enjoy the interaction that I share with the students and the teachers. The students are very responsive and they'll come and talk about whatever's happening for them.''

It was difficult for Rae-Marie to think of any downside to her occupation, but she admitted that she sometimes feels momentarily disheartened when parents seem to lack interest in their child's progress at school.

Rae-Marie has only words of encouragement for others who might be interested in this occupation:

''It's a job in which you can really make a difference. Have a go at it and see if you like it. Approach a school and ask them if you can do work experience in this area and see what happens from there.''

As for any more career changes? Not for a while according to Rae-Marie who plans to complete her degree in secondary education.