There are 2500+ Indigenous Education
Workers across Australia but they work under different titles
from state to state. While we hear of Aboriginal Education Assistants
in NSW, Koorie Educators in Victoria, Aboriginal and Islander
Education Officers in WA, Aboriginal Education Workers in SA
and so on, we are talking about essentially the same role, so
here we call them Indigenous Education Workers or “IEWs”.
IEWs have been used sporadically since 1953 when the first Aboriginal
Teaching Assistant was appointed in the Northern Territory. Though
the titles and employment conditions may vary, the idea and purpose
remain the same; that is, the employment of Indigenous Australians
in schools that have high enrolments of indigenous students for
the purposes of providing student, community, and teacher support.
IEWs are often the longest serving members of a schools staff;
generally recruited locally, thus providing a natural link to the
community; possess an expansive knowledge of the parent and local
community; can offer innovative approaches to school programs;
and are knowledgeable of Aboriginal culture and customs, be they
contemporary or traditional.
The role itself has changed considerably over time. Some IEWs have
now entered the middle ranks of the bureaucracy, some have tertiary
degrees, many help run large and innovative programs (such as tutorial
centres) in their local school or district, and most ensure that
an Aboriginal perspective is prevalent across the school curriculum.
IEWs are having an increasing influence on the educational experiences
of Aboriginal students. They are providing literacy support, hosting
orientation camps and meeting with feeder school principals and
IEWs, they are organising career advice for students, and holding
awards nights and regular meetings with parents and community members.
However their primary roles have not disappeared. IEWs still follow
up student attendance and performance, visit the homes of parents,
and assist teachers in learning about and supporting Aboriginal
students.
All these qualities and abilities are, or should be, highly sought
after and valued qualities within the education systems.
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