Celebrating Education Support staff
On 16 May we celebrate Education Support Staff Day, recognising the vital contributions of Education Support (ES) staff in our schools.
These dedicated professionals play a crucial role in creating safe, inclusive, and effective learning environments. They include learning support officers (LSOs), teacher aides, school nurses, psychologists, administrative staff, technical support, and many others whose work underpins the success of every school day.
The IEU continues to campaign for ES staff to gain proper recognition, fair pay, and improved conditions. A recent example is our wins in the Agreement signed at Launceston Christian, where career progression pathways for education support staff were clarified, guaranteeing automatic annual progression within their classification and the opportunity to apply for reclassification to a higher level if they meet most requirements
The upcoming negotiations in Victorian Catholic schools will concentrate on pay increases, after the focus last time was on lifting the entry rate for ES staff. However, we will be also acting feedback from the recent survey of staff in Victorian Catholic schools highlighted widespread concerns from ES staff around being underpaid, undervalued, and overworked. Many earn less than casual retail workers, despite taking on complex, emotionally demanding, and often high-risk responsibilities—especially when working with students with disabilities or behavioural challenges.
Their work is essential, not just in supporting teachers, but in delivering direct care, learning assistance, emotional support, and specialised knowledge. Yet many face a stagnant classification system, limited career progression, and a lack of inclusion in key school decisions.
In the words of one LSO: “Much of our work is carried out in a constant state of fight or flight... Despite the complexity, emotional toll and specialised skillset our job demands, our pays don’t even come close to recognising and reflecting the difficulty or importance of the work we do”.
This day is not only a chance to thank Education Support staff but also to reaffirm our shared commitment to achieving real, lasting change. The IEU continues to fight for better pay structures, career pathways, improved training, and recognition of the essential roles ES staff play in every school community.
On May 16, take a moment to say thank you—and stand in solidarity with those who support the heart of education every single day.
Education Support Staff Day Event (Geelong)
The Independent Education Union invites all Education Support Staff working in Catholic and Independent schools across the Geelong region to a special event in recognition of the vital role you play in supporting students and teachers in our schools.
This event will provide an opportunity to connect, learn about your workplace rights, and celebrate your essential contributions.