Helping up-skill distance education supervisors

A new partnership agreement between two of NZ’s largest providers of distance learning will help up-skill supervisors of school-age distance pupils.

The partnership between The Correspondence School and the Open Polytechnic will provide supervisors of around 7000 full-time Correspondence School students the opportunity to complete the Open Polytechnic Teacher Aide Certificate.

“We have adapted the learning material in the certificate so that it is tailored to the needs of these supervisors, many of whom are parents or other family members with no formal educational training”, says Sue Armour, programme leader for the Teacher Aide Certificate at the Open Polytechnic.

“We have fielded lots of calls from Correspondence School supervisors thrilled about the opportunity for professional development and for gaining a recognised qualification that this partnership offers.”

Correspondence School chief executive Mike Hollings says the school is very excited about the partnership.

“This qualification offers supervisors the chance to gain support and recognition for the very important role they play in their students’ education. Seeing their supervisor studying alongside them could also help to motivate our students to engage in their own learning.”

Offered by distance learning, and supplemented by on-the-job work, the Open Polytechnic Teacher Aide Certificate teaches students how to support children’s learning in the primary school setting.

Once enrolled, students have up to a year to complete the course, with student support from tutors provided by e-mail and freephone.