I'm returning to work next term (yippeee!!) but so far, there's been no part time contracts, so looks like I'll be relief teaching. Because of child care, I'm going to only be available Tues and Wed at this stage, until I see how much work I'm getting.
Just wondered if there was anyone here with experience in doing relief, and if you could offer me some tips/advice etc.
I have done it, used to be fulltime at one school doing relief. Have had none this year. Like you I only had 2 days available. Is there a service that finds work for you - I know there are some in Perth but not regional where I am.
Go to as many schools as you can, introduce yourself with a resume.
One of the best ways is to go to all the schools you are interested in and personally need the principal or vice. Make sure all your registrations, WWC & Police check are in place.
I know someone who did this and go work the next day as she knew someone on staff who could vouch for her.
The down side of returning term four is that there is not as much work as there is at the moment due to colds etc
My sil does relief and says the key is being organized as sometimes the call comes late at the last minute!
Are you known already at any local schools? Proving yourself will be the best path to regular work (imo) I know we definitely have a priority list of staff and then the "we're desperate" list lol!
Are you primary or secondary? Maybe prepare a "kit" of activities in case the person you are relieving hasn't left anything etc?
Saslia - my old school has offered me full time relief teaching, but unfortunately its 2 hours on the otherside of town as we have moved since having the children.
Rivlas - oops I meant term 3, we're still in holidays here so next term doesn't start to next week. So hopefully, I'll be able to gain a reputation so that in term 4, when there isn't as much work, I'm a preferred relief.
I've got my cv ready to go do the drive around next week when school's back in. Before I had DD, I worked in a disadvantaged school, and there's a couple round here too, so I'm hoping that my experience in that area will help!
I've also found a few "schemes" that some of the government schools use to get there relief teachers from so will sign up with them.
Amaunet - I've dug out all my resources and will have some worksheets and stuff just in case. Even if a teacher has left something, its handy to have something up your sleeve.
I'm really looking forward to going back, but I'm just nervous as to how much work I'm likely to get. We really need the money at the moment, fingers crossed a part time contract comes up!
I really wanted a part time teaching position in my subject area, but because I graduated literally 2 weeks before having my baby & didn't start looking until he was almost 2, I found it almost impossible to even get an interview!! I wasn't a graduate anymore, but I had no teaching experience either, so I was kinda in a limbo. I thought I may as well do my time with CRT instead!
I've been doing CRT for a little while since having my little one. Its usually only 2 days a week because that's all I can commit to right now.
I am using an agency because its so much easier! My pay is all from the same employer, they call me to offer work, they don't mind if I don't feel like working one day, & they basically take care of nearly everything. Sometimes it can be unreliable & a bit stressful trying to find the school, the classroom, deal with students who try to roll you, as well as pull out a random lesson because the teacher hasn't left any work! But its great to be able to turn up to a school & go home without the headaches of reports, assessment, lesson planning etc. Very easy for Mums!
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