The Seas of Supply Teaching

Before setting sail onto “The Sea of Supply Teaching” here
are a few suggestions you, as ship’s captain, may wish to consider.....

1. Research your preferred “Port of Call.”

·
Firstly, research web addresses of your selected
school communities.
·
Personal contact
with the administration of the school is always helpful in order to both
introduce yourself as well as ask any further questions regarding school
policies or school map. Through this process you may familiarize yourself prior
to your first supply teaching days.
·
Seek
professional connections and actively work at building relationships. Offering your time freely in support programmes
can also demonstrate your commitment as well as allowing your skills to be
demonstrated in a working environment.

2. Double check the ship is in tip top
condition with plenty of supplies.
·
Organize your resources at home into approximate
year level selection. It is quality not quantity, clever not expensive,
creative not common, that counts here.
·
Choose
resources that can be used in a rich variety of learning opportunities without
the overuse of a photocopier. Display books are both practical and inexpensive
way to start such a system. Add as you go.
·
Add a clever selection of age appropriate literature
and a variety of teaching strategies that make good use of everyday classroom
resources such as clocks, dictionaries, word knowledge, atlases, maths facts
and general knowledge.
·
Develop a
bag of tricks so you don’t rely on others like always carry a whistle, joggers,
hat, and well stocked pencil case to name a few!

3. Be ready to sail with the tide.·
Be ready from 6 am for phone calls for work. Schools
just want to hear you say yes. Flexibility and reliability are the keys to more
work. By this I mean never saying no to
half a day’s work or refusing to take part on a sport’s carnival. Being open to
all teaching situations (Prep to Yr 7) will make you more valuable in the long
term. If you are a specialist teacher by
all means make that very clear from the start.
·
Invest in a diary and log your hours and
personal contacts.
·
Sometimes your teaching day may be a variety of
year levels as often supply teachers are employed to release a number of
teachers for a short amount of time over the course of one day.


4. Be the Master of your own Ship.

·
While you must work as a member of a school
community, you are in charge of your own professional journey, master of your
own destiny.
·
Be a part
of on-line teaching communities.
·
Seek
opportunities to join school professional development and staff meetings; this
is only a matter of asking for an invitation.
·
Be proactive in asking the questions and seek
more knowledge whether regarding school resources, policies or simply approaching
the principal to discuss employment opportunities!

5. Sail in style.

·
Give some time to professional reflection as to
your “teaching style”. How are you going
to make your teaching day memorable for the class? What strategies do you use
to manage your teaching day with creative style? Facing new classes and
constant change demands this high level of professionalism.
·
Consider
the behaviour management strategies you will employ for different year levels.
How will you creatively gain attention when with younger grades and differently
when teaching the older students?
·
What are
your personal and professional strengths? How can you best utilize these skills
for the benefit of the learners in your care? How do you cater for all learning
styles?

6. A good captain knows his crew.

·
As a relief teacher, this is the most
challenging aspect of your role. Relationship is essential to the management of
any classroom. Take time to reflect on all the strategies you could develop to
build rapport quickly. These ideas can be easily woven into the expectations of
the school day through transition activities and your classroom
leadership. The more quickly you can
personalize the teaching day through your knowledge of the individuals in the class,
the more easily other aspects of the teaching day will follow.
·
Consider
how you are using reward and positive reinforcement when your expectations are
being met.
·
Have a clear understanding of the schools
behaviour management policy. Read any
notes or school information the class teacher may have left for your
professional information. Children with high special needs often don’t respond
to change well. Don’t take this personally, instead actively look for
strategies that build relationship and lessen the stress of change for the
learner.

7. Navigation on the high seas in fair weather
and foul!·
In this teaching role, one has to realistically
expect that there will be days that are difficult and days that are pure joy.
Every day brings learning. Once again,
do not take a “foul” day personally. The classroom culture is determined by the
leadership of the full time teacher and the dynamics of the class group. You cannot change this in the short term. You
can, however, offer stimulating and rewarding learning experiences for the time
you have the privilege to work with that class. No matter what, you will learn more through
these encounters than you would ever know.

8. Run a tight ship!

·
Students are reassured when they sense that
their “new” teacher knows what they are doing. Even if this is not the case, be
decisive and have a clear focus for the day’s learning. Outline your expectations and continually
reinforce them simply and clearly. Firm, fun but fair is not a bad ship’s
motto!
·
Leave the
classroom tidy with student‘s work corrected and a record of the day’s agenda
and notes attached. Classrooms run to a routine. Outlining the agenda at the
beginning of the day, (even if this has to be adjusted during the day) and tick
off the day’s achievements as both a visual reminder for yourself and the
class.

9. Chart and journal your journey.

·
Keeping records are very important, from the
professional development you participate in, to the names of the students in the
class you may encounter regularly. Recording your teaching notes at the end of
a day, or the week, is essentially displaying your professionalism and
commitment. The class teacher doesn’t need to read a novel but does need to
understand the curriculum covered as well as any classroom management issues
that arose in the time.
·
Keeping a journal of great teaching strategies
you encounter will only enrich your knowledge and confidence. This is also a
good time to record interesting teaching resources you come across or make
notes about professional advice or online learning resources you could investigate
at a later date.

10. Every experience on the high sea is a
learning opportunity.

·
There is none richer than the variety of
experiences a relief teacher will encounter in this essential and dynamic
school role. The professional enrichment and development you will encounter
will be priceless. However, as with life generally this reward will only come
to those who actively work with the mindset of continual self improvement and
professional reflection. Reflection is the key to growth.

October Workshop: Full of Energy and Learning!

Both the morning and afternoon workshops were full of eager "soon to be" teaching professionals as well as experienced teachers currently working as relief teachers who were looking to gain more insights in to the unique world of relief teaching. The workshop contained many interactive strategies designed to demonstrate the teaching ideas that appeal to all styles of learning. It is always my pleasure to lead these workshops in the knowledge that I am supporting fellow teachers as well as the many students in their care.

Feedback allows me to continue to refine and craft the "Relief Insight" workshops to be both relevant and purposeful for the special teachers who attend. If you are not able to attend in person, know the workshop book forms the backbone of the day. Purchasing the book via the blog site gives you access to many of the strategies and insights that I bring to life on the day of the workshop. I have tried to write in a conversational style and many people say it is just as if I am having a chat with them! So long as the resource is user- friendly I am pleased. I love hearing the success stories and the many ways people then use the "Relief Insight" strategies.

If you are reading this and have been to one of my workshops ...please leave a comment and let others know what worked for you.

Meanwhile I will sign off with a few of the feedback comments....

• "Carmel, your warmth and passion for teaching really shone through. Thank you for sharing your valuable insights!" (Erin)
• Thank you for sharing with us so much of yourself. The session was wonderfully informative, engaging and realistic. I am so very excited to implement these in my classroom. Very inspiring. " (Jo)
• "Variety of strategies that I can't wait to use. Exactly what I needed before internship."(Ellen)
• "This is a good presentation for trainee teachers. Experienced teachers can also benefit greatly from your expertise.Thanks you Carmel. I had a great morning. " (Shelagh)
• "Content very creative and original. Explanation/links to how and why activities are done will be very handy in my application. " (Josh)
• "I appreciated all the content given as it was very appropriate to my queries I had for relief teaching. " (Rebecca)
• "Presentation matched the quality and professionalism of the content." (Therese)

Live, laugh and learn,

Carmel

Next Workshops 1st October 2011 : AM &PM

Thanks to all the enquiries about the next workshop. Finally secured a date and time with the Chermside Library and due to your overwhelming response I have manage to book the room for the whole day.(Saturday 1st october) This means I am able to offer two workshops (morning and afternoon) and keep the numbers at comfortable level. As always be ready for a workshop fullof fun and learning...I know I do!

Live,love and laugh,
Carmel


“Relief Insight”
Relief/ Supply Teacher Workshop for Primary School Teachers
Presented by: Carmel Kuhr (Dip of T, B.Ed)

• Want to learn more about what it really means to be a relief teacher
in today’s school environment and reflect on quality teaching practices in this role?
• How to get started? What to get organised?
• Want to be inspired by behavior management and organisational strategies
that really deliver results?

No matter whether you are an experienced classroom teacher or student teacher, this workshop will give you an insight into establishing classroom strategies that build relationships and make the classroom environment a place of productivity, fun and learning.
MORNING WORKSHOP:
Venue: Chermside Public Library, 375 Hamilton Rd, Chermside.
Time: 8:45am for a 9:00am sharp start until 1:00 pm
Professional Hours: 3 ½ hours ( QCT Certificate of Participation supplied)
Date: Saturday 1st October, 2011
Cost: $50 pp (includes comprehensive resource handbook)

AFTERNOON WORKSHOP:
Venue: Chermside Public Library, 375 Hamilton Rd, Chermside.
Time: 1:15pm for a 1:30pm sharp start until 5:00 pm
Professional Hours: 3 ½ hours ( QCT Certificate of Participation supplied)
Date: Saturday 1st October, 2011
Cost: $50 pp (includes comprehensive resource handbook)




RSVP: Essential ASAP. Please leave your name, current teaching status & contact details via email. Accurate numbers essential for booking the venue. Limited numbers due to available room size. I will confirm the workshop numbers and viability with a reply email on Wed 28th Sept.

Mobile: 0409 034 189 (Carmel)
Blog: http://relief-insight.blogspot.com
Email: carmelkuhr@internode.on.net

Addresses QCT Standards :
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10
   - - -  -  

This invitation is open to all teaching professionals.
Please spread the word!

"Relief Insight" ...The Next Workshop

Relief/ Supply Teacher Workshop for Primary School Teachers
Presented by: Carmel Kuhr (Dip of T, B.Ed)

1. Want to learn more about what it really means to be a relief teacher
in today’s school environment and reflect on quality teaching practices in this role?

2. How to get started? What to get organised?

3. Want to be inspired by behavior management and organisational strategies
that really deliver results?

No matter whether you are an experienced classroom teacher or student teacher, this workshop will give you an insight into establishing classroom strategies that build relationships and make the classroom environment a place of productivity, fun and learning.

Venue: Chermside Public Library, 375 Hamilton Rd, Chermside.
Time: 9:15am for a 9:30am sharp start until 1:30 pm
Professional Hours: 3 ½ hours ( QCT Certificate of Participation supplied)
Date: Saturday 23th July, 2011
Cost: $50 pp (includes comprehensive resource handbook)

RSVP: Essential ASAP. Please leave your name, current teaching status & contact details via email. Accurate numbers essential for booking the venue. Limited numbers due to available room size. I will confirm the workshop numbers and viability with a reply email on Wed 20th July.

Blog: http://relief-insight.blogspot.com
Email: carmelkuhr@internode.on.net

Fabulous Workshop March 26th

I am always so impressed by the integrity and capabilities of the people who attend my workshops. It is always a pleasure to sharing and giving back to the profession I love. Meeting up with so many lovely colleagues all at different stages and points in their journey is both refreshing and humbling.

We are all life long learners and in Relief Insight workshops this fact is so apparent! While we have lots of fun and learning "unpacking" my workbook I am acutely aware that little time is left for sharing and questioning.

Time is both our enemy and our friend. Using it wisely in a professional world like teaching is one of the most challenging skills! However from the feedback that I have received both from this workshop and many previously it is time to extend the opportunity into MORE RELIEF INSIGHT!

At the moment I am thinking this will be run on a Saturday morning in the same way as the Relief Insight one is currently. However if the participant has already been through the first workshop we have a perfect opportunity to .....

1. Review how the strategies from the original workshop

have been working in the classroom,

2. Reflect: Reflect on shared strategies from the group that are willingly added to the pool of ideas. Develop a more strategies from the workbook on a "I see, I do, I understand" level.

3. Respond: By allowing much more time for Q&As and the sharing of experiences and your collected wisdom.

A workshop of this nature would also be run by the Professional Standards QCT and therefore additional PD hours for your registration needs. Last workshop I extended the hours by 30 minutes. It would appear that most people need to finishing by 12:30 with 1pm being the latest so 3 hours PD would be gained. Unfortunately evening hours are difficult as are full Saturday workshops draining on family and other working commitments. If you have any other suggestions please write and let me know. The Chermside rooms may be available on a Sunday?

What are your thoughts? I would LOVE to hear them.

Meanwhile,

Live,laugh and learn....

Carmel

Starting the Day Right!

We all appreciate that knowing what comes before us is both reassuring and work efficient ; not only for us as the educator but also for the students. I am sure that there are some anxious students who breathe a sigh of relief when they see an agenda for the day....."She does know what she is doing! "

I also know that depending on the circumstances you may not know what is happening for the whole day due to a whole lot of reasons that are beyond your control. When this happens I just plan the time through to the next break with the children. This way we both have control over the pacing as well as the content that will be covered. It also gives you time to get organized after the next break!

Older children enjoy a vertical display of the sequence of the day on the whiteboard with or without times. I often plan this with the class, letting them know that this is the work expectation and asking if there is any other finishing work they would like time to work on or any other activity I have not included. This is their learning space and I am working with them to make it the best it can be for the day. This atmosphere of collaboration usually brings out leadership skills in the older children as you show them respect and in return you would like to be shown respect. This is also when I use the magnetic clock face. I often place a tick in the box as you finish that activity as a visual display of the day’s achievements too. It helps to keep everyone on task. I am sure they enjoy knowing what is coming up next as well as seeing what has been achieved for the day.

For younger children I record the day in simple pictures or words. A child colours the star beside the item as we work through the day . This can also act as a reward for a hard working child at the end of that activity to colour the star on the whiteboard. Little ones like the visual structure too.

So whether you do a vertical or a horizontal agenda it is easy to add any reminder notes into the visual representation of the time. I make constant use of a magnetic clock face I always carry too. I display the time that rotation or activity will finish. Children are able to cross compare the clock face on their classroom clock to the static clock face to know how much time is left. I also use the static clock face as a visual reminder to a child who may be anxious about an appointment time eg dental appointment is at 2:30pm. By putting the time on the clock face the child feels calmer and I am reminded of the appointment as well!

Sometimes all these little things add up to be big things that make your day run smoother and the children feel that atmosphere too. If you liked this tip please leave a comment or if you have some others to share please feel free to leave a comment also. Our profession is a sharing profession.

So live,laugh and learn,

Happy days.

Carmel

Upcoming Workshop 26th March 2011

“Relief Insight”

Teacher Workshop for Primary School Teachers

Presented by: Carmel Kuhr (Dip of T, B.Ed)

• Want to learn more about what it really means to be a relief teacher

in today’s school environment?

• How to get started?
• What to get organised?
• Want to be inspired by behavior management and organisational strategies

that really deliver results?

No matter whether you are an experienced classroom teacher or student teacher, this workshop will give you an insight into establishing classroom strategies that build relationships and make the classroom environment a place of fun and learning.

Addresses QCT Standards :

1.	2.	3.	4.	5.	6.	7.	8.	9.	10
P	P	P	-	-	-	P	-	P	P

VENUE: Chermside Public Library, 375 Hamilton Rd, Chermside.

TIME: 8:45am for a 9:00am sharp start until 1pm

PROFESSIONAL HOURS: Four (QCT Approved)

DATE: Saturday 26^th March, 2011

COST: $40 pp (includes comprehensive resource handbook)

RSVP: Essential ASAP. Please leave your name & contact details via email. Accurate numbers essential for booking the venue. This is not a business but rather a service! Certain numbers are required to cover the associated costs.

I will confirm the workshop numbers and viability with a reply email on Wednesday before.

Mobile: 0409 034 189 (Carmel)

Blog: http://relief-insight.blogspot.com

Email: carmelkuhr@internode.on.net

This invitation is open to all teaching professionals.