The new school year in Australia is off to a flying start yet again. If you are entering this amazing expereince called relief/supply teaching in our schools, this can be a very tiring and exhausting time as well. There is much to absorb as you move in and out off lots of different learning environments. Take heart....it does get better as you learn and grow as a professional.
This is part 3 in the series "Don't make Assumptions" It could be worthwhile going back over previous blogs and reading the other suggestions as this is the one area that I see teachers get quite stressed over! To avoid the stress....heed the advice and be prepared mentally! Enjoy!
*Don’t assume all children will have the necessary stationary equipment like a pencil and a rubber!
*Don’t assume the specialist teachers and parents will know who you are.
*Don’t assume you will never leave any of your person equipment behind in a classroom. Always put your name and mobile number on everything if you want it returned.
*Don’t assume your bag is safe in the classroom, unless the room is locked.
*Don’t assume that a stranger (with no identification) in the playground is allowed to be there.
*Don’t assume you are in the right duty area. If you not positive, ask!
*Don’t assume that a child will always understand what you meant let alone what you say.
*Don’t assume that every child is sick just because they say so. Check with your partner teacher, or office staff, for a quick personality review then make your decision.
* Don’t always assume that the significant adult picking up the child at home time is the legal guardian. Very difficult area however, careful observation is required at all times.
* Don’t assume you will get around to reading that Relief Teacher’s File for that year level later in the day. Do it ASAP! Important information will be found within its pages!
I do trust this might start your path for the year off on a positive note.
Until next blog, keep smiling!
Live,laugh and learn,
Carmel
About Me
- Carmel
- I treasure the twenty plus years teaching experience I have in Catholic Education in Australia both in the classroom and in teaching administration roles. During this time I have had the pleasure of working with all year levels in some capacity from Prep to Year 7. Due to family committments in 2001, I choose to commence relief/supply teaching as well as short term classroom contracts. I am passionate about the needs of the individual learner and I am continually building on my knowledge and skills through study and research. I am pleased to be able to share this knowledge bank with fellow teaching professionals.
