Teaching Assistants, Inclusion and Special Educational Needs: International Perspectives on the Role of Paraprofessionals in Schools

This book provides an overview of current research and thinking on teaching assistants, highlighting their vital contributions to schools and communities. It examines the impact of teaching assistants on pupils' learning and wellbeing and considers issues of over-dependence on paraprofessionals. The contributions offer insight into the liminal space between educator, caregiver, behavior manager, and facilitator of learning and peer relations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 212 pages
Publication date: 19 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book presents the first collection of international academic writing on the topic of teaching assistants. Serving as a valuable summary of current research and thought in this field, it also serves as a catalyst for future research and development. Contributions from esteemed researchers worldwide converge in this volume, offering a diverse range of empirical studies on the deployment and impact of teaching assistants from various perspectives and methodological approaches. The book underscores and celebrates the indispensable contributions of teaching assistants to their schools and communities, encompassing their vital roles within classrooms, their moment-to-moment interactions with students and teachers, and their broader impact on learning and well-being.

In-depth examination of the effects teaching assistants can have on pupils' learning and well-being, addressing concerns about over-reliance on classroom paraprofessionals and the potential unintended consequences.

The book brings together contributions from a special issue of a journal, complemented by brand-new and updated chapters, providing insights into the multifaceted nature of the teaching assistant role. This role encompasses educator, caregiver, behavior manager, and facilitator of learning and peer relations, reflecting the complex and evolving responsibilities of teaching assistants in modern educational contexts.

This timely and significant book holds immense value for academics, researchers, students, and professionals engaged in the fields of special educational needs, disability, and inclusion. It also appeals to those interested in the broader realm of paraprofessionals in labor markets. By shedding light on the experiences and contributions of teaching assistants, this book contributes to our understanding of the evolving role of support professionals in education and beyond.

Weight: 576g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032208596