Black Gold Educational Assistants bring new skills to the classroom after completing EA foundations course

Eighteen of Black Gold School Division’s Educational Assistants have recently completed a new EA Foundations course.

The newly designed course is meant for EAs who have been in the field for between one and three years. It includes modules about supporting students with autism, anxiety, and other complex behavioural needs. 

“The main goal was that our incoming education assistants, the ones that were under two years, had foundational knowledge,” Pam Verhoeff, Black Gold’s Division Staff Wellness Lead Teacher, says. “But, also we wanted them to be able to connect with other EAs so they can share knowledge and experience.”

She says the course has been received very positively by the EA staff in the division

“The modules provided a much deeper insight into our students by not only explaining how learning challenges can present very differently from one student to another, but also by offering multiple practical strategies through real-life scenarios,” EA Twinkle Joshi says.

“This course serves as a great refresher while also introducing new perspectives and approaches that can positively influence how we support and work with our students,” she adds.

Going forward, the division plans to offer the courses biannually, in October and February, with a focus on EAs that are new to the profession. Materials for the course will remain accessible online for any EAs who need it.