Jeremy Rockliff,Minister for Education and Training
The Tasmanian Liberal Government recognises that a child's early years are the foundation for building the skills needed for lifelong learning, engagement and participation in all aspects of Tasmanian life.
That's why from 2021 we will provide $4.9 million over three years to provide the equivalent of 80 Teacher Assistants to Tasmanian Government Schools.
The extra support provided by Teacher Assistants and Education Support Specialists in the early years is critical for student learning and greatly valued by children, their families and teachers.
The focus of the funding will be on providing Teacher Assistants with an improved career pathway with the opportunity to upskill and become Education Support Specialists, who hold specialisations in a range of areas including early childhood education, literacy and numeracy, special education and behaviour support.
It is yet another demonstration of our commitment to invest not only in more staff, but also continuing to attract and develop skilled staff, to support and engage our learners in their education.
Since coming into Government in 2014 there has been an additional 250 Teacher Assistants employed with 56 of those being since the the last State election, with the number of Teacher Assistants to be further boosted with increasing funding from 2021.
Regardless of background or circumstance every young person deserves a quality education, and we are focused on recognising and responding to learners' individual needs so they can reach their full potential.
