Time Management 

Organisation and time management skills play a very important role for the school teacher. Be aware when the school day starts and make it your priority to arrive 20 minutes early (find details of public transport in our useful links). This will give you time to look over the timetable, see what your tasks are for the day, meet every other school teacher associated with your class and plan the day ahead.

Arriving at school

When you arrive at school, report to the administration office. Secondary schools will have a Daily Organiser to provide you with an information folder and explain your role for the day. The Daily Organiser at a Primary School is usually the Vice–Principal; they will give you an information folder and show you to your classroom. Under normal circumstances a plan for the teaching day will be left for you from the school teacher you are replacing, if this is not the case, you will need to prepare something before school. You should have access to a photocopier, the staff at the administration desk can usually help you organise this.

The School Day

Most school days run for 6.5 hours, 9am – 3.30pm. You are paid for a six hour day, half an hour is unpaid lunch. The working day consists of five hours teaching and one hour supervised yard duty. This means you will normally be required to complete some form of Yard Duty at Recess and/or Lunchtime. Most schools will expect you to carry a medical bag and yard duty folder, they will also expect you to wear a fluorescent vest, they don’t look very fashionable but it makes it easier to be identified around the playground. During first and fourth term most primary schools adhere to a sun smart policy, students at these schools have to wear a wide brimmed hat when outside, and once again, at the risk of looking "uncool", it is worth having one of these for yard duty. This will set a good example to students and make a good impression.

Your information folder and/or yard duty folder will identify any students with special health needs such as diabetes and epilepsy and they will explain the procedure necessary in the event of an emergency. Schools have emergency procedures and you need to familiarise yourself with these.

Being Positive and Social

When you enter a school, always be enthusiastic and work hard; this will make a positive impression for not only you but for ANZUK Education Services. It is worth taking time to have a coffee and a chat with staff members when you get a chance; being recognised and respected will have a positive effect on your professional life as a schoo, teacher. When the final bell rings, don’t forget to thank the Principal or the Daily Organiser for the days work.

Effective time management makes for a busy and rewarding career.

Brush up on Classroom Management techniques and Casual Relief Teaching Strategies.