Beginning To Teach

FAQ

What I can expect in my first year?

Teaching is a very rewarding profession but it is also one that comes with high demands.  It is important that you take time to ensure you understand the expectations of your employer/principal. This can be best achieved by meeting with the principal to clarify their expectations of you.

You must also understand and adhere by the code of practice developed by the Queensland College of Teachers.

 

What are the expectations of me as a teacher?

  • Teaching is more than just a job: you need to have a passion for working with children and young teenagers
  • Understanding that your students are ‘works in progress’
  • Getting to know your students and building positive relationships with them by:
    • Knowing their names
    • Gaining an understanding of their interests
    • Gaining an understanding of their expectations of you
    • Being available to them during the school day
    • Being involved in extra-curricula activities (e.g. Sport)
    • Providing opportunities for students to experience success
    • Providing a caring, positive atmosphere which promotes a pleasant, safe learning environment for students
  • Working with and building positive relationships with all staff
  • Upholding the professional standards set down by your employer and the QCT
  • Working with the wider school community. Being available for extra-curricula activities. (i.e. school dance, sport and fund raising etc)
  • Building positive relationships with parents by:
    • Communicating with them
    • Gaining an understanding of their expectations of you
    • Being available to them

Where can I find useful resources?

Talk to key personnel in your school such as Heads of Department, Curriculum Co-ordinators, and Administrators.

The Queensland Studies Authority is a useful organisation to contact. They have an education officer allocated to each subject area and they will be able to steer you towards resources. They may be able to supply you with resources and you are able to go in to see these people to talk through your unit plans and resources. They also may be able to point you in the direction of a network that they have set up and lastly they should be able to steer you towards professional development opportunities.  

How can I make my classroom supportive?

Teachers can provide a supportive environment by conveying high expectations for all students. These expectations include: that students should take risks and try hard to master challenging academic work, that all students of the class can learn important knowledge and skills, and that a climate of mutual respect contributes to achievement by all. Mutual respect means that students with less skill or proficiency are treated in ways that continue to encourage them and make their presence valued.

Teachers can create a supportive environment by:

  • knowing students' names
  • gaining an understanding of their interests
  • gaining an understanding of their expectations of you
  • being available to them during the school day
  • being involved in extra-curricula activities (e.g. Sport)
  • providing opportunities for students to experience success
  • providing a caring, positive atmosphere which promotes a pleasant, safe learning environment for students

How can I use behaviour management positively?

By building positive relationships, creating a supportive learning environment and setting clear expectations of your students. Build up a ‘kit bag’ of strategies in the early days of your career and find what works best for you and your students.

Where can I get support when things get too challenging?

During your first year expect to be assigned a mentor, your first port of call. The Principal, Deputy Principal and other staff are also critical people to get support from. You may also look for a trustworthy and encouraging person who is passionate about teaching children,  and committed to developing a collegial atmosphere in your school.

You can also use:

How can I make my teaching creative and interesting?

Make lessons creative and interesting by:

  • Communicating in a clear, concise, engaging and friendly manner with the aim of achieving rapport with students
  • Making learning meaningful for the students
  • Engaging students in challenging activities with achievable goals
  • Using stories and metaphors, relevant real world examples
  • Using humour constructively
  • Using varied audio-video materials and other technology

What Unions cover teaching in Queensland?

There are two major teacher unions in Queensland; the Queensland Teachers' Union, for those employed in the state sector; and the Queensland Independent Education Union for teachers employed in the non-state sector.

What is probation?

Probation is a defined period of time that commences after being employed permanently by an employer. During this time an employer assesses an employee regarding their suitability for confirmation of their permanent status. The period of time depends upon the industrial agreement between the employer and the relevant union. The process for confirmation of probation is not the same process as that for moving from provisional registration to full registration.

 

How do I get registered to become a teacher?

To apply for teacher registration complete the Application for Teacher Registration form.  Carefully read the information provided before completing the application form.

You must meet the requirements of registration.  Applicants who do not have the prescribed qualifications may be eligible to apply under s8(1)(a)(ii) or s9(1)(a)(ii).

Very experienced teachers may be considered for full registration if they meet the professional standards for full registration and can provide supporting documentation.

Applicants registered in other Australian states and territories or New Zealand may apply under the mutual recognition provision.

The application fee must be paid before the application can be processed.

Processing an application is rigorous, ensuring that only suitably qualified teachers who are Suitable to Teach are granted registration to teach in Queensland. Delays may occur in the processing of applications if the required information and documentation is not provided.

Should you require a paper copy of the Application for Teacher Registration form, please contact the QCT.

What pay scale am I on?

Refer to the Industrial Award or the Certified Agreement that covers your employment. Contact your employer or the relevant union for details.

How is my tax affected?

If you are an employee teacher, tutor, early childhood, primary, secondary, special education, technical and further education (TAFE) or relief teacher, you may be able to claim the following deductions:

  • Laboratory coats and art smocks that protect you from injury at work or protect your everyday clothing from damage - but not conventional clothing.
  • Stopwatches, cost of purchase, repairs and batteries - but not the costs of purchasing and repairing ordinary wrist watches, including waterproof watches.
  • Sunglasses, sunhats and sunscreen lotions – if the nature of your work requires you to work in the sun for all or part of the day and you use these items to protect yourself from the sun at work.
  • Excursions, school trips and camps if these trips have an educational benefit and are related to the curriculum or extracurricular activities of the school - but not the cost of attending staff dinners or other social functions.
  • Teaching aids used for work - but not those used for private purposes.
  • For more information, read Teachers 2006-07

 

Can I touch a student?

General Law states that teachers can touch students for purposes such as:

  • Controlling and disciplining students subject to reasonableness (e.g. breaking up a fight)
  • Teaching , for example showing a student how to hold a cricket bat or a violin
  • Offering encouragement, or for congratulatory, conciliatory or rapport purposes, as long as it is reasonable, not improperly motivated and not objected to by the child.

These all can be dangerous and you must be careful, limited and be consistent with the school’s culture. Seek advice when unsure and unfamiliar with your employer’s instructions.

What clothes do I wear to school?

Speak to your principal. Generally speaking, as long as you present as neat and tidy there should be no problems.

How do I register for contract and supply work?

Register with an employing authority, e.g. Department of Education and Training, or contact individual schools for contract and supply work.

What employment options are available?

Most educational employers will employ teachers in the following ways:

  • Permanent full-time
  • Permanent part-time
  • Temporary
  • Casual

Are all employment conditions the same?

No. You should understand the employment conditions of your contract. Some employers may require you to transfer from one school to another school, some may require you to complete a certain amount  of professional development or attend when students are not at school. Employment conditions are governed by the Industrial Awards and Certified Agreements.

 

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