Melissa helps support a brighter future

For many families, teacher aides are the unsung heroes of the schooling system, supporting children who may have otherwise fallen behind to achieve their full potential by providing them with valuable one-on-one in-class tutoring. It’s perhaps unsurprising then that it’s a role in hot demand, with the employment of skilled education aides anticipated to grow by 7.7 per cent statewide over the next five years.

As someone who has always felt drawn to a career nurturing the next generation, 39-year-old Melissa Whitney is among the Queenslanders making the most of these opportunities, after completing a Certificate III in School Based Education Support (CHC30221) through TAFE Queensland. A doting mother-of-two, Melissa said she was searching for a rewarding career to step into as her children began to hit school age, and found the role of teacher aide to be a perfect fit.

“I have always loved kids—I couldn't wait to be a mum and I had previously worked in childcare too—so I knew working with children was for me,” Melissa said.  

“I decided on this course specifically as I could work around my two kids in daycare and school. My goal is to gain a permanent position three days per week at a local school in my area,” she said.

Married to a FIFO worker who’s only rostered home for one week each month, and supporting a four-year-old with Global Developmental Delay and Level 3 Autism Spectrum Disorder, Melissa knew she would require flexibility in whatever path she chose to take.

With this in mind, when it came time to enrol in her Certificate III in School Based Education Support (CHC30221) through TAFE Queensland, Melissa jumped at the online option.

“Due to my husband working away three weeks out of each month, I wasn't able to commit to the on campus course several days a week, so having that online option definitely removed some of the stress of studying – I felt like I had more flexibility if my kids were sick or I needed to take them to appointments or school events,” she said.

“For example, during the course my youngest had to start daycare and caught every sickness under the sun, one time ending up in ICU for a few days, and I was able to connect with my teacher online and let her know what was happening, rather than stressing that I was missing classes on campus.”

“It was hard to start with—getting into the right mindset was super important—but it became my new normal and I made it work.

“I loved the way I could log on any time, day or night, and work at my own pace. And I loved all of the learning materials being right there when I needed them in the portal. Having the online space where we could chat with fellow students about assessments or questions about our studies and troubleshoot together was so great, and I never felt alone or isolated.”

Melissa gained her qualification in July 2024, and said the skills she learned during her studies have since proven to be invaluable – not only in her career, but in her everyday life.

“As soon as I started my studies and applied for volunteer placement at one of our local schools, they offered me paid employment, and I have been working there when required since 2023 as a relief teacher aide. I have really loved working there and applying the skills I learnt while working with all of the wonderful students,” Melissa said.

“But I’ve also really enjoyed applying all the different strategies at home with my eldest son and his learning. We got to connect on another level, as I felt more involved in his learning and was able to apply different techniques with him.”

For Melissa though, the greatest reward has been seeing the power her work has to transform the lives of students, with teacher aides like her significantly increasing learning outcomes for children – particularly those experiencing intellectual, physical or behavioural difficulties.

“Working in schools with students can have its challenges and hard days, but it is so heartwarming to see how your role can help impact a student’s day, week or even year in such a positive and encouraging way. Giving students the support they need is so important, especially in the early years,” she said.