Casual Relief Teaching is a great alternative for teachers wanting a change from the pressures of full time teaching. More and more, teachers every year are choosing to be a CRT. The decision to become a CRT is one that many graduate teachers choose to begin their career as well. Below we have 10 tips on how to become a highly requested CRT.
Many find it hard to secure a contract or full time position and it normally ends up helping them to enter the profession gradually. We have written this article based on the feedback we receive from our teachers and the Daily Organisers at our partnered schools.
Here are a few quotes from some of our teachers:
“Being a CRT gives me the flexibility to decide when and where I work”.
“I don’t have to do reports or go to Parent/Teacher interviews”.
“No more boring staff meetings, that’s the best part”.
“I start at 8:30am and finish at 3:30pm with no before or after school yard duties”.
“Teach Students, I can now get back to doing what I did when I started teaching”.
“I don’t have to do any marking or start work again when I get home”.
“As a graduate teacehr, I can learn how to manage a class and student behaviour, before even thinking about curriculum”.
“I want to see what it’s like working in a particular school before I apply for a job there”.
So how do you make a good impression as a CRT? Aside from having your calendar availability up to date and having a professional looking profile photo on our app, here are ten tips to help you become the kind of CRT our schools request to have back again and again.
1. Arrive in the reception area of the school on time
Daily Organisers understand that on ocassion CRTs are late. If you are running late make sure you notify us so we can let the school know to make alternative arrangements as they have a legal obligation to have a registered teacher supervising students at all times. On the other hand, some CRTs make the mistake of getting to work way too early, starting time is 8:30am. We recommend arriving around 8:15am, unless it’s your first time at that school as you will need time to settle in.
2. Make sure you are in the classroom on time
Ensure you are punctual and in the classroom before the bell rings so you are there to meet and greet students as they enter.
3. Don’t forget about your Yard Duty
Very simple, make sure you are there on time. It’s an expectation that a CRT will be given at least 1 yard duty in a day, sometimes 2. Our schools like to see CRTs display a willingness to assist wherever necessary as part of your role.
4. Presentation
All or our partnered school have a professional dress code, If you are unsure about what is required please speak to us prior to attending your shift.
5. Follow the lesson plan
9 out of 10 times there will be lesson plans left for you to follow on with. The teacher you are replacing is expecting the students will continue on with their unit of work. It’s very rare that you are left with nothing to deliver, if this does happen, speak with the Daily Organiser or a leading teacher to find out what to deliver.
6. Leave a note for the teacher you are replacing
If you are at a Government school you will be expected to leave your feedback on the Compass app or a note for the teacher. If you are at an Indenpendent or Catholic school they will have different methods for you to leave this feedback. Please ensure you leave appropriate feedback for the teacher you are replacing which includes what was covered and any behavioural issues that may have occurred.
** Any serious behavioural issues should be immediately reported to the Leadership team or Daily Organiser.*
7. Be flexible during the day
As you know, Daily Organisers are very busy managing multiple areas of the school and many teachers. During the day you may be asked to assist in a different area of the school or swap classes. Being flexible and assisting when and where you can will make their job easier.
8. Have some ideas on hand
It’s always worth having some ideas, and few resources. To Become a highly requested CRT you should alway have an backup plan just in case. Have a few interactive class or group activities on hand just in case. Below are some resources that may help.
9. Take the time to read the class medical notes
Being aware of the medical needs of the student’s in your care is imperitive. Every school will have notes that you can access regarding specific medical conditions, eg. anaphylaxis, diabeties, asthma. Make yourself aware of the action plan for each student if required.
10. Return your Laptop and Keys
Keys are very easy to leave hanging around your neck, but it’s vital that you hand them back at the end of the day. If you are at a school where you are given a laptop, ensure that you return it and make sure it’s plugged in on charge.
Follwoing these steps will not only make the Daily Organisers day easier, but you as a CRT will have a more enjoyable day teaching. These are the 10 tips to remember and follow to become a highly requested CRT.
