Overview of teacher’s role |
This section is aimed at helping and informing the teacher to support a student group in undertaking a School Aid Project.
Whilst School Aid is focused on student-led action, the teacher's role in empowering and supporting students throughout projects is integral to the process.
As many teachers are already working with a group, such as a Student Representative Council (SRC) or their class, the time taken on School Aid Project activities should fit within existing work timetables. This time will of course vary significantly depending on the nature of the particular group, the school and the particular project chosen.
All participating schools will need to identify a teacher as a facilitator for their action group. The facilitator has a unique opportunity to empower a group of students through participation in tangible, real life projects affecting other kids. There are a plethora of resources and information on our website to aid this process.
By participating the group and the school will enter into a growing national student-led philanthropy network. It is also a way for the teacher to stay abreast of the latest issues and developments in student-led philanthropy in Australia.
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Three main functions of the teacher in a School Aid Project are:
1. Registering the group through the School Aid website:
Once a group is either chosen or formed in the school, registration involves filling in the required information in an online Registration Form.
2. Facilitating the group's activities, particularly encouragement and support for the group to use the Student Resources section:
This includes printable forms that kids fill in around the following 7 headings:
- How to Wake Up!
- Planning and Preparation
- Creating a Profile
- Team Work
- Communication
- Fundraising
- Evaluation
The Resources section is intended both for teachers and students. With teacher's support and guidance, it will provide a useful set of tools to guide the group's activities on their School Aid journey. These resources are intended as a guide and support tool only and are not 'compulsory'. Groups are invited to pick-and-choose the resources that most suit their needs, or even adapt some of them according to their requirements. |
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3. Creating, maintaining and updating the group's School Profile on the School Aid website:
Once a teacher registers the school group through the online Registration Form they receive a unique username and password via email.
This enables editing privileges of the profile page. Upkeep of this page is a fundamental part of the School Aid program because it provides a focal point for the group to record progress and enables peer learning between active groups around Australia.
For child protection reasons, the teacher will be responsible for the group's profile page and may or may not choose to share the username and password with their group. See 3.0 Creating a Profile resource for important internet privacy information. |
Teacher as facilitator |
The key to providing support is to encourage, mentor and at times coach, without actually taking the lead. Some practical considerations for teachers supporting groups include:
- Arranging access to office functions such as photocopying, computers, phone et cetera
- Making a space available for the students to meet at school
- Ensuring full support from the School Principal and facilitating open communication
- Being aware of public liability issues and if necessary arranging parental consent
- Supporting student connection with appropriate community organisations and support people
- Accompanying students to external meetings or interviews as necessary
- Overseeing financial arrangements and the provision for use of a school account for depositing raised funds
- Being present at team meetings and providing guidance where appropriate
- Directing students to relevant tools, whether they be on the School Aid site or another
- Ensuring students follow school guidelines and are aware of relevant procedures
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How do schools and students benefit from involvement with School Aid? |
The School Aid program can "fit" into schools' programs in a number of ways. These include being:
- Part of the school's service to community learning program
- A vehicle for the expression of school values
- A 'real life' practical component of subjects such as SOSE, HSIE and Geography
- An activity to promote and encourage leadership by student groups
- A student council or SRC activity
Benefits to the school when students get involved in School Aid include:
- Links with other active schools and students
- Links with diverse groups within the community and around the world
- Opportunities to reflect achievements within an online community
- Opportunities to implement curriculum via 'real-life' projects that are rewarding for all who are involved
- Empower students to be 'active citizens' who feel that they can make a difference in their world
- Positive role models for other students
- A public demonstration of the school's service values
Benefits to students who get involved in School Aid include:
- Opportunity to help other kids!
- Connecting with other like-minded students around the country
- Planning and organisational skills
- Working cooperatively as part of a team
- Listening well
- Learning to clearly communicate ideas, needs and activities
- Solving problems and negotiating with others
- Developing effective support networks
- Exercising self-control and responsibility
- Brainstorming and generating ideas
- Being part of a real life project
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