anzuk is in the privileged position to support schools in Australia, the US and the UK with educating their students each day. I have been in Education Recruitment for a number of years and have been lucky to work with many teachers in their search for work, as well as schools in their search for fantastic educators. I enjoy partnering schools with the right educator whether it be in a long-term role, a week, a day or even for a few hours.
The idea of going to a school for a set amount of time when a school is in need can be very rewarding for many educators. However, some Casual Relief Teachers can fall into the assumption that because their time in the classroom may be short, it is not important in the greater picture of the school. I am writing this blog to dispel this presumption.
With the recent increase in daily rates for casual teachers, it is clear that the Victorian Government also recognises the pivotal role that casual staff play in the daily function of schools. The pay increase recognises the level of work that is involved with a casual day of teaching. We know that schools are busy places and tasks such as finding your contact, finding the classroom, finding the work (or quickly planning a day’s work if no cover lessons have been left!) is never easy. All this even before the first bell has rung! These tasks do not go unnoticed.
I often discuss with my teachers that each causal teaching day can be treated as a job opportunity. Principal and Deputy Principals frequently look to their pool of CRTs as a hunting ground to seek out teachers for upcoming positions. Securing a full-time position is competitive and a day of casual work opens up many avenues and opportunities to increase your chances of securing your dream role. Making connections and a fantastic first impression can go a very long way.
It is important at all times to maintain integrity in your teaching as students have impacted each time a casual teacher’s steps into the classroom. Your attitude is vital to your relationship with your students for the day, and with the school in the long term.
I enjoy my job as I get to work with passionate educators who are excited and willing to go to new schools regularly. Children and schools are lucky to have the chance to meet with, even for a short time, a casual member of staff who tackles each day and each class as it is the most important class of the day.
If you are a qualified teacher or teaching assistant looking for work in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne or know someone who is, contact me on rachel.l@anzuk.education or give me a call on 03 9249 2444 ext 225.
