Hazelton, BC -- Education assistants (EAs) are an essential part of every classroom in the country. For students with diverse learning abilities, education assistants help with learning course materials by customizing the process and communication each learner needs to succeed

Brittany Johnson graduated from the Coast Mountain College (CMTN) Education Assistant Program in 2023/24 and now works as an EA in Hazelton, BC where she is assigned full-time to a non-verbal student and assists with a second student as needed. Brittany found the EA Program to be very helpful, especially the teaching and technology classes, which helped her understand the communication platform TouchChat for non-verbal students.

Brittany worked in the Hazelton school for three or four months before starting the Education Assistant Program at CMTN. She had also previously taken some Early Childhood Educator (ECE) courses, both of which helped her transition into the EA Program. Once Brittany started the program, she was able to continue in her position at the school doing a working practicum. This was particularly helpful in terms of maintaining continuity and trust with the student she was assigned to.

When asked what she likes about working as an EA, Brittany says she enjoys the relaxed nature of the job and her ability to help the students she now works with; however, she advises potential EA Program applicants to ensure that it's the right fit for them – that they really want to work with children as it can be challenging at times. Working in a smaller centre like Hazelton often means a long commute to and from the school – in Brittany’s case 25 to 30 minutes each way and longer in winter. Brittany also works through her lunch hour because her assigned student does not go home for lunch.

Brittany emphasized the high demand for educational assistants, especially in smaller communities like Hazelton, and shared how the CMTN EA program helped refine her skills and provide an important theoretical foundation for her current role. Despite the challenges, Brittany finds working with the students rewarding and plans to continue in the education field, possibly pursuing further education to become a teacher one day. 

Learn more about the Education Assistant Program at CMTN by clicking here.

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Media Contact:

Heather Bastin
Executive Director, External Relations 
hbastin@coastmountaincollege.ca