START YOUR CAREER WITH THE RIGHT SUPPORT

Graduate Teacher Program

Finishing university and stepping into your own classroom is an exciting milestone - but you don't have to navigate those first steps alone

YTA is here to help you get started

GRADUATE TEACHERS LOVE WORKING WITH YTA

We are also teachers

At YTA, we support Graduate Teachers as they build confidence, gain classroom experience and discover the kind of teacher they want to become.

Whether you're looking for flexible CRT work, experience across different schools or support as you begin your teaching career, we're here to help you get started.

CONGRATULATIONS, YOU'VE GRADUATED!

So, what happens next?

Where do I start?

Am I ready for CRT work?

What will schools expect from me?

Who can I ask for help?

I'm worried about the first day with my own class?

Grad teacher assisting students

Your first year shouldn't feel like you're figuring everything out on your own.

The transition from studying teaching to actually teaching can feel like a big one. Suddenly you're managing classrooms, meeting new school teams, adapting to different environments and putting everything you've learned into practice.

That's where YTA can help.

We give Graduate Teachers the opportunity to build real classroom experience while having a team they can turn to for guidance, questions and support along the way.

TEACHERS HELPING TEACHERS

How YTA supports graduate teachers

Build real classroom experience

Work across different schools, year levels and classrooms while developing your confidence and discovering where you teach best.

Flexibility while you find your feet

Choose when you're available to work and build experience at a pace that works for you. Work 1 day a week or 5, it's up to you.

A team you can actually talk to

Have questions about a booking, a school or what to expect? Our team is here to support you before, during and after your placements.

Experience different schools

CRT work gives you the opportunity to see different schools, before deciding what you want the next stage of your career to look like.

Support with getting started

We'll help you understand the onboarding process, requirements and what you need to be ready for your first YTA booking.

Opportunities to build connections

Every school you work in is an opportunity to meet educators, build your professional network and make a positive impression.

START YOUR JOURNEY

Get ready for your first day with YTA

1.

Join YTA

Tell us about yourself, your teaching experience and where you'd like to work.

2.

Complete your onboarding

We'll guide you through the required checks, documentation and onboarding process.

3.

Set your availability

You decide when you're available and the areas you'd like to work in.

4.

Start teaching

Accept opportunities that suit you and begin building your classroom experience. We will call you to discuss your first booking and assist with any questions or concerns you may have. We will also let the school know it's your first day. Our partnered schools' always welcome first-time teachers and will make sure you are comfortable and ready to teach at their school.

5.

We're still here

Our support doesn't stop once you enter the classroom. After your first shift we recommend you contact us to discuss the day and how it went. A debrief is just as important as being prepared. If you need help or have questions, you can reach out to the YTA team at any time.

6.

We're still here

Each time to start at a school you haven't been to previously we will make sure you have the information you need beforehand. It's not just the first day we assist with we continue to keep the lines of communication open to make sure you are learning and developing you own teaching style.

Why CRT can be a great first step

CRT work can give you something that's difficult to get anywhere else at the beginning of your career — variety.

You'll experience different classrooms, school communities, year levels and approaches to teaching. You'll see what works, learn from experienced educators and develop your own classroom presence.

Along the way, you'll start discovering the environments where you feel most confident and the kind of teacher you want to become.

And because you control your availability, you can build that experience around the life you're creating outside the classroom too.

There isn't only one way to start your teaching career

CRT WORK COULD BE PLACE THE BEST DECISION YOU MAKE AS A TEACHER

There isn't only one way to start your teaching career

Experience

Different schools and classrooms

Confidence

More time putting your skills into practice

Connections

Meet teachers and school leaders

Choice

Learn what you want from your career

DON'T PUT PRESSURE ON YOURSELF

You don't need to know everything in one day

Every experienced teacher was once a Graduate Teacher.

There will be days when you leave school feeling fantastic. There may also be days when you have questions about classroom management, school expectations or simply whether you handled a situation the right way.

That's normal when you're building experience.

With YTA, there's a team behind the booking. If you're unsure about something or need support, we want you to feel comfortable reaching out and having that conversation. All members of our team are experienced teachers, and we have worked in Primary and Secondary settings

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO START

A few things before we start

We will help you through the process but to start you will need the following:

VIT Registration

Mandatory Reporting Certificate

Uni transcript or certificate of completion

Licence and Passport (or other photo ID)

Teachers for Schools

CHECK OUT OUR GOOGLE PAGE FOR MORE REVEIWS

2 reviews from Google

Jess

As a first time CRT teacher in Aus, YTA have been amazing. Rachael and Gary are always reachable and always willing to talk through everything and answer any questions you have. They also found me a permanent job which is leading to sponsorship for me, so I couldn't be happier!

Branny

As a first time CRT, YTA have gone above and beyond. Rachael and Gary have made me feel so welcome, supported me and provided me with bookings in lovely schools. They offer a friendly, professional and personalised approach which is refreshingly different to all the other agencies out there. They definitely deserve 5 gold stars!

YOUR FIRST BOOKING IS JUST THE BEGINNING

Begin your teaching journey with us

Every day in a classroom adds to your experience.

For some Graduate Teachers, CRT work provides flexibility while they explore different schools. For others, it helps them discover a school community they would love to become part of longer term.

Whatever direction your teaching career takes, the experience, relationships and confidence you build along the way come with you.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO FEEL PREPARED

The Complete Casual Relief Teachers Guide

At YTA we have developed The Complete Casual Relief Teacher Guide. This is a practical resource for Casual Relief Teachers working across our schools, whether you’re joining us for the first time or are a familiar face in our classrooms. The guide brings together the key information you need to feel prepared and supported in your role, from what to expect when you arrive to helpful processes, expectations and resources for the school day.

It’s designed to make it easier to step into the classroom with confidence and focus on what matters most — supporting our students.

The guide has information about the following:

What is Casual Relief Teaching?

Is Casual Relief Teaching right for you?

How does Casual Relief Teaching work?

Why start your teaching career as a CRT?

What you need as a CRT before you start?

Classroom management tips

What schools expect from CRTs

Common mistakes new CRTs make

Building relationships with schools

Professional standards for teachers

Maintaining your VIT registration

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked Questions

Do I need VIT registration to work as a Casual Relief Teacher in Victoria?

Yes. You must hold current registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) to work as a teacher in a Victorian school. This includes Casual Relief Teaching. Make sure your registration remains current and that you complete VIT's annual registration requirements.

Can I choose which days I work?

Yes. One of the biggest advantages of Casual Relief Teaching is flexibility. You can let YTA know when you're available and choose a work schedule that fits around your other commitments

Can I say no to a CRT booking?

Yes. You aren't expected to accept every booking you're offered. If you're unavailable or a particular booking doesn't suit you, you can decline it. Keeping your availability up to date helps us offer you opportunities that are more likely to suit you.

How much notice will I get before a booking?

It varies. Some bookings are organised days or weeks in advance, while others arise early in the morning because a teacher has called in sick. If you're available for same-day bookings, being organised and ready to leave in the morning can increase your opportunities for work.

Do I need to prepare my own lessons?

Usually, the regular classroom teacher or school will provide lesson plans and activities for you to follow. However, it's always useful to have a few simple backup activities available in case work isn't provided, technology doesn't cooperate or students finish earlier than expected.

Do I have to teach outside my preferred year level or subject?

CRT work can involve different year levels and, particularly in secondary schools, subjects outside your specialisation. You aren't expected to be an expert in every subject. Follow the lesson provided, support students where you can and ask the appropriate staff member for assistance when required.

You can also let YTA know your preferred year levels, subjects and teaching environments so we can take these into account when matching you with bookings.

What happens if I have a difficult class?

Challenging days happen to every teacher. Stay calm, follow the school's behaviour management procedures and ask another staff member for assistance when necessary.

If you've had a difficult booking through YTA, you're also welcome to contact us afterwards. We're teachers too, and we're happy to debrief with you, offer advice and help you think through strategies for next time.

What happens if I'm sick and can't attend a booking I've accepted?

Contact YTA as early as possible if you're unable to attend an accepted booking. This gives us the best opportunity to organise another teacher for the school. Avoid contacting the school directly unless YTA has asked you to do so.

Can schools request me specifically?

Yes. Schools often develop preferred CRTs after they've had positive experiences with them. Being reliable, professional and building good relationships with students and staff can lead to repeat requests and more consistent work.

Can CRT work lead to a permanent teaching position?

Absolutely. CRT work gives you and the school an opportunity to get to know each other before making a longer-term commitment. Schools can see how you teach and interact with their community, while you can decide whether the school's culture and environment are right for you.

If a longer-term opportunity arises, YTA can support you through that transition.

Do I need to attend staff meetings or complete reports as a CRT?

For ordinary day-to-day CRT bookings, you generally won't have the same ongoing planning, reporting, assessment and meeting responsibilities as a permanent classroom teacher. Expectations may be different for longer-term placements, so always clarify what's required when accepting an extended booking.

Does CRT work count towards my VIT professional practice requirements?

Yes. Teaching days completed as a CRT can count as professional practice for VIT purposes. Keep accurate records of your teaching days, particularly if you need to demonstrate your professional practice to VIT.

How often can I work as a CRT?

That depends on your availability and the demand from schools. Some educators use CRT work occasionally, while others work most days of the school week. Being available across more days, schools, locations and year levels can naturally increase the number of opportunities available to you.

Can I work for YTA if my registration is classified as Permission to Teach, (PTT)?

Unfortunately not, as an agency we do not employ 4th year Uni Students or other individuals with PTT. All teachers must be registered with the governing body in their state.

Why should I work through YTA rather than organise CRT work myself?

Working through YTA means you have a team supporting you rather than managing everything alone. We connect you with schools, coordinate bookings and payroll, and provide ongoing support throughout your CRT journey.

More importantly, YTA is run by teachers. We understand what it's actually like to walk into an unfamiliar classroom, manage challenging behaviour or have a day that simply didn't go according to plan.

As a smaller agency, we take the time to know the teachers who work with us. Whether you're a graduate looking for mentoring, an experienced teacher looking for flexibility or simply need someone to debrief with after a challenging day, you'll have real people you can talk to.

How is YTA different to other agencies?

There are a number of differences. We're teachers. We know what it's like to be a CRT. We're small enough to know you personally. And we'll actually support you. We understand what it's like to walk into an unfamiliar classroom, manage a challenging day, start your career as a graduate or simply want more flexibility from teaching.

And because we're a smaller agency, we can do things differently.

✓ We get to know you and how you want to work

✓ Flexible CRT opportunities that fit your lifestyle

✓ One-on-one support and mentoring

✓ Someone to call when you need advice—or just need to debrief

✓ Opportunities to build relationships with schools you enjoy

✓ Support if you're looking to move from CRT work into a permanent role

We're not interested in simply filling bookings. We want our teachers to enjoy where they work, feel supported and want to stay with us.

If you're looking for Casual Relief Teaching opportunities with an agency where you'll actually know the people on the other end of the phone, we'd love to hear from you.