How to make a good impression

Before you leave home:

Make sure you know where your nominated schools are located and how to get there. You don't want to have to ring the school to ask for directions or spend travelling time looking up directions.
Have the school contact details in case you are detained and have to notify the school that you are going to be late. Make sure you communicate with the school so there is no uncertainty about your arrangements.
Leave home early to ensure you arrive on time - it is even more beneficial if you arrive prior to start time.
Dress appropriately.

When you arrive:

Go to the administration building and introduce yourself.
Get the details of your class and the location of your classroom.
Carry photo identification so the school can confirm you are who they are expecting.
Ask if there is any other information you need to know for the day or if there are other responsibilities. Be prepared and happy to do playground duty if asked.

The class:

Look over any information left for you about the class or curriculum.
Let the class know your name and how to address you. Outline what you expect and what you will be doing for the day.
Being upbeat rubs off on everyone - think about how to make the day a positive experience for you and the class.
Leave a note for the classroom teacher or the school. Update them on what happened during the day, where you are at with the work, whether you set homework, etc. This is the type of thing that makes the classroom teacher say to the office 'get that teacher back to do my class next time'.
Keep the classroom tidy. Teachers don't want to come back to their classroom and have to spend time cleaning up.
Put yourself in the regular classroom teacher's shoes and think about what you would like to see when you returned to your class. Make them want to get you back next time.

For further information review the Replacement Teacher Expectations Statement compiled by principals or visit the QCT website for further tips on replacement teaching.

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