First advertised as a “Return to the Workforce” programme in 2018, the Enviroschools Teacher Aide project provided a unique opportunity for meaningful employment, on-going professional development, and up-skilling of individuals who have previously been on a solo parent benefit and unable to work.
The focus of each participant is to support the development of the Enviroschools Programme and to work alongside the teachers and students as they progress their Enviroschools journey. The Enviroschools Teacher Aide project started as a one-year pilot by employing three sole parents to work in Flanshaw Road School, Tirimoana Primary and Royal Road School, respectively.
The Enviroschools Teacher Aides work closely with the lead Enviroschools teachers and the school caretaker at each school to assist students to implement sustainability projects.
The three parents selected to become Enviroschools Teacher Aides were given specific and ongoing professional development. Equally important in developing their knowledge and confidence were one-on-one focused and reflective conversations. This supported the parents to progress in their knowledge and understanding of the Enviroschools Programme and the resources available to them.
The ESTA project lead, Sandy Bell-Jameson (Professional Development Coordinator, Toimata Foundation), commented that the three new Enviroschools Teacher Aides quickly settled into school life and she was able to watch their confidence bloom.
Sandy received this note from one of the Enviroschools Teacher Aides.
“What really struck me about this pilot is that it is about real lives and real-life situations that are often very challenging for the ESTA’s involved. It’s not just about a nice project – it is real life for these three women”.
— Sandy Bell-Jameson
Classroom teachers have also commented about how having an extra pair of hands to support the school’s sustainability journey increases their capacity, while students gain from having the opportunity to work alongside an ESTA in small group situations. Meanwhile, the participants in the Enviroschools Teacher Aides project have strongly voiced the difference the programme has made in their lives.
The four wonderful ESTA’s from the second intake.
“My advice to the upcoming ESTAs is this is an opportunity of a lifetime and I know it will change your life as much as it did mine. Don’t give up! Keep going forward and be willing to learn!”
— ESTA participant (who now has a permanent role and plans to become a teacher).
The Enviroschools Teacher Aide pilot was completed in June 2018. In addition to their 20 weeks of training, the second intake of Enviroschools Teacher Aides were each offered extended employment from October 2018 – June 2019 by the schools involved. Each school is hoping that an opportunity will arise to employ their ESTA permanently in the school.
The Enviroschools Teacher Aide project provides a unique opportunity for meaningful employment and on-going professional development. We mihi to the teachers, schools, and collaborating organisations who have worked with Toimata to use their creativity, innovation, and community-focus to bring this project to life.
The great success of the pilot project led to a second intake in 2019, and a third intake in 2020, each with an increase in the number of schools involved and positions available.
We look forward to watching the Enviroschools Teacher Aide Project continue to strengthen and diversify as it is enriched by each participant involved.
