If you'd like to engage a language assistant at your school in 2023, please submit an expression of interest through the Language Assistants Program (LAP) by Friday 12 August 2022.
The LAP places local and overseas native speakers in selected clusters of Victorian government schools for 3 terms (terms 2, 3 and 4). Assistants can enrich language education by supporting school language teachers with the development and delivery of language programs.
In 2023, the LAP will offer language assistants to support programs in any language.
Language assistants in the classroom
Language assistants support school language teachers to develop and deliver language programs.
By sharing knowledge of their native language and culture, the assistants help students to develop their fluency and confidence in the language, while also promoting greater cultural and linguistic awareness across the school community.
The program is funded through the Student Resource Package. Language assistants must work a minimum of 7.6 hours a day, 4 days a week.
For more information about the roles and responsibilities of language assistants in the classroom, refer to the LAP guidelines.
Exchanging cultures and interests
The LAP recently shared the experiences of schools and language assistants taking part in the program.
Barbara, a German assistant at Amsleigh Park Primary School and Brentwood Secondary College, said working in the classroom was an 'immensely enjoyable experience'.
Barbara works one-on-one with students, supporting teachers to deliver lesson plans, develop projects that share her culture and improve students' speaking practice. For Barbara, the experience goes beyond the classroom.
'Learning a language is more than learning to speak it; it opens a window to the world,' she said.
Another school getting great results through the LAP is Koonung Secondary College, which has hosted many French language assistants.
Nicole Moussi, language domain leader, said the assistants brought 'the latest trends in the language, more colloquial language and a cultural insight' into the classroom, and particularly benefited Year 12 students.
'All our senior students are improving and benefiting from the individual attention they receive,' Nicole said.
'Our language assistant is preparing them well for the oral examination, building their confidence and enhancing their language acquisition.'
How to apply
To take part in the LAP, please complete an expression of interest application form.
The form includes an extended response section for schools to outline their plan on how the language assistant will enrich their program, and how the school will support them.
Language teachers interested in engaging a language assistant should speak to their principal.
Find out more
For more information, refer to the LAP guidelines.
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