Contract and Relief Teachers and Their Responsibilities, Some Advice for the Head of Department

Relief and contract teachers often come into a school which is completely new to them in every respect. So, as head of department, it was my responsibility to induct them into my department. One of my initiatives soon after I was appointed was to create a department handbook to record our policy and procedures. This handbook was updated each year with each teacher being given an updated version annually. This handbook was also part of my induction program for relief and contract teachers.

This article contains the information in that handbook for the benefit of relief Teachers and temporary teachers on short contracts.

"During your stay with us you are considered part of our team and are accordingly required to adhere to the professional duties of teachers at this department as outlined below:

1. Times of Duty

Our working conditions require us all to be at school no later than 8.35am. However, it would be desirable, for routine days to arrive at school by 8.25am and leave not before 3.15pm.

At regular or at ad hoc times, staff meetings and briefings are held and all teachers are required to attend these meetings. Apologies must be given to the Principal.

At the time of printing, this involves every second Tuesday morning (alternative whole school briefings) and every second Monday afternoon for a full staff meeting.

Maths Departmental Meetings will be called as required, usually at 8.15am on a morning which best fits into the school calendar.

If students require extra help, teachers should, wherever possible, be prepared to stay back or arrive early to assist these students.

2. School Policy

School Policy must be followed at all times. Please read the school staff handbook the deputy principal (staff) would have given you as soon as possible.

If you have any queries or suggestions about school policy, there are avenues at staff meetings or with the Principal to discuss possible changes. However, in the meantime, the policy needs active and full support regardless of one's own point of view.

3. Lesson Plans

For contract teachers, Unit Plans and Lesson Plans have been developed ahead of time for your use. If there are any problems for you, please discuss these with the Subject Coordinator of that Year Level and/or the Head of Department.

Supply Teachers must endeavour as much as is possible to follow the Lesson Plans left for them on the day of their appointment.

If you have any difficulty with ideas or knowledge involved in any of these lessons, please do not hesitate to confer with the Head of Department. A high standard of preparation results in better student learning and management.

4. Code of Conduct of Staff and Students

There is a Code of Conduct that all members of the school community are expected to adhere to. Please adhere to this and to the Behaviour Management Policy. You will find these in the School Staff Handbook.

Refer students to the Head of Department only if you are unable to deal with the matter yourself. Heads of Department may enter your room at any time as required.

5. Assessment

Assessment is a part of the teaching process and all staff must be involved in the setting, marking and recording of quality assessment items as required.

Please ensure you record all assessment results on Student Profiles immediately after you have marked these items and store students' scripts in their manila envelope where necessary.

Teachers must appreciate the weight of responsibility on them to prepare students for assessment and to assess the students fairly and rigorously.

Senior subjects require considerable preparation for the outside educational authority and all teachers are required to contribute to this process as required by the subject coordinator and Head of Department.

6. Professional Collegiate Contribution

All new staff members are asked to contribute to the amicable and professional atmosphere that is already evident in our school. This requires willingness to contribute to the group and to demonstrate initiative, responsibility and support for each other.

You can look forward to a pleasant and fulfilling time at our school where your efforts will be appreciated and support is guaranteed".

"Best Wishes for a happy and fulfilling stay with us"

In conclusion

Each school subject department may have specific extra items to note for these temporary teachers. In the practical subjects such as Art, Home Science, The Manual Arts and Science, there may be information about equipment and consumables while physical Education may have safety issues to highlight. This article is designed primarily to give the new head of department a starting point just as I was given one from an experienced head of department when I was first promoted.

Article source: http://eslarticle.com/pub/career-development/139561-Contract-and-Relief-Teachers-and-Their-Responsibilities.html