Sick of relief teaching in Brisbane. Ratings advice please.
#1
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Joined: Jan 2005
Location: Brisbane Bayside
Posts: 25
Sick of relief teaching in Brisbane. Ratings advice please.
I have been teaching in both state and private primary schools for about a year and a half now in Brisbane. For about 'a year' I have been meaning to do the ratings so I can get a permanent position....I've got my regular schools, covering short contracts and working 4/5 days a week but really getting sick of it now. Want my own class
Ready for the ratings - ABSOLUTELY!
Anyone gone through the ratings system that can give me some advice?? Any suggestions/ways of cutting corners would be most appreciated? The 4 criteria essay that they want you to do looks like a load of rubbish to be honest. I want to know if I'm wasting my time putting together the 1000 word essay. Is there anyone who has gone through the process and not done the 1000 words?
Advice please
Ready for the ratings - ABSOLUTELY!
Anyone gone through the ratings system that can give me some advice?? Any suggestions/ways of cutting corners would be most appreciated? The 4 criteria essay that they want you to do looks like a load of rubbish to be honest. I want to know if I'm wasting my time putting together the 1000 word essay. Is there anyone who has gone through the process and not done the 1000 words?
Advice please
#2
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1
Re: Sick of relief teaching in Brisbane. Ratings advice please.
Hi
I cannot help you with your question but I am wondering whether you might be able to offer me some advice?
I am a secondary English teacher with four years teaching experience and my husband is an ICT teacher with two years experience. We are looking to emmigrate to either Melbourne or Brisbane. Brisbane seems more appealing but I am concerned about job prospects - how much work is there?
Don't worry if you don't have time to help - sorry for jumping on your post.
Gemma
I cannot help you with your question but I am wondering whether you might be able to offer me some advice?
I am a secondary English teacher with four years teaching experience and my husband is an ICT teacher with two years experience. We are looking to emmigrate to either Melbourne or Brisbane. Brisbane seems more appealing but I am concerned about job prospects - how much work is there?
Don't worry if you don't have time to help - sorry for jumping on your post.
Gemma
#3
Re: Sick of relief teaching in Brisbane. Ratings advice please.
Hi
I cannot help you with your question but I am wondering whether you might be able to offer me some advice?
I am a secondary English teacher with four years teaching experience and my husband is an ICT teacher with two years experience. We are looking to emmigrate to either Melbourne or Brisbane. Brisbane seems more appealing but I am concerned about job prospects - how much work is there?
Don't worry if you don't have time to help - sorry for jumping on your post.
Gemma
I cannot help you with your question but I am wondering whether you might be able to offer me some advice?
I am a secondary English teacher with four years teaching experience and my husband is an ICT teacher with two years experience. We are looking to emmigrate to either Melbourne or Brisbane. Brisbane seems more appealing but I am concerned about job prospects - how much work is there?
Don't worry if you don't have time to help - sorry for jumping on your post.
Gemma
I am in WA so not sure if this will apply to where you decide to settle but the general consensus is that the teacher shortage is nationwide. If you don't mind doing a bit of relief work for a while you will be able to work as soon as you are registered and as secondary teachers with your particular specialisms I can't see you having a problem getting permanent positions.
After choosing not to work for almost a year I called a very good private school here in Mandurah to inquire about the possibility of a job and the following week I was doing relief at $300 a day. I am a primary (PGCE) trained teacher with one years teaching experience and a BSc hons degree in Computing. The deputy said to me that he was very excited about my IT background but more so about my accent as he reckons Pommy trained teacher are far better trained than Aussie ones (his words). Within two days of covering secondary classes I was offered a long service leave contract teaching years 4, 6, 8, 9, and 10 mathematics and IT with the offer of a full time position if the person I am relieving doesn't come back from Canada but I am happy to continue doing relief and contract work. As a primary teacher I wasn't sure about doing secondary relief but at this particular school it is a doddle. It is a very popular school with people putting their children down when they are born, it is very difficult to get in and once in the children want to stay. As a result the pupils' behavior and attitude to school is very good indeed, the facilities are fantastic, the teaching staff are valued, well paid and happy the result is a very positive ethos and a great place to work. I get 3/4 days a week as the teachers are often out on excursions etc and there are just under 100 staff at the school so there is usually someone to cover.
My point is relief teaching isn't for everyone but if you can get into a good school it is worth doing to get to know the Aussie system before you start full time. It suits us as my youngest is only 4 so is not yet at school full time and my husband works 4 days on 6 days off so I can have time off when I want it. I am not sure what you need for the state schools but that the private schools require College of Teaching membership (and authority to work with children for contract work) perhaps it would be worth calling a couple of schools when you settle in just to get a feel of things.
I know we are not in the same state but feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Anyway best of luck.
ACE
#4
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 239
Re: Sick of relief teaching in Brisbane. Ratings advice please.
Hi,
any chance of letting us know what school it is you are talking about
Tambo
any chance of letting us know what school it is you are talking about
Tambo
#6
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: The Woodlands Texas
Posts: 202
Re: Sick of relief teaching in Brisbane. Ratings advice please.
Hi Natalie,
I used to be a HOD in a brisbane school, before I moved stateside . But have gone through the ratings, and rated other teachers, so I have loads of advice for you.
Firstly its not scarey at all. I was in high schools, so not sure if the interview will be exactly the same. I was also from the UK, so did my rating in the same way you will.
What I would do is ask around in the schools you normally do relief in, and find out who is the DP who does the interviews. Have a chat with them, you will need to ask if they will be willing to rate you. This is where you are at an advantage. CHOOSE THE ONE YOU GET ON WITH MOST! and the one who rates you the most as a good teacher. There is no point doing this with someone who dislikes you. Also ask around other teachers who mentor student teachers, and ask what they are like.
Then hopefully the DP might say, just jot a few things down on paper, and pop in for a chat, and thats your interview. This is kind of what happend with me. I mean they did it formally, came to 5 mins of a lesson. Then my HOD and DP sat me down, asked 2 questions each from the criteria, and bingo bango I had a rating 1!
Some DP's are really strict about it and will do it really formally and want the 1000 word essays... others are flexible. If you have been teaching for a while the whole answering the criteria is really easy, nothing to worry about at all. Its much harder for a student teacher as they have nothing to write about!
I may even have my criteria somewhere if you want!
If you need any more help ask away
Amanda
I used to be a HOD in a brisbane school, before I moved stateside . But have gone through the ratings, and rated other teachers, so I have loads of advice for you.
Firstly its not scarey at all. I was in high schools, so not sure if the interview will be exactly the same. I was also from the UK, so did my rating in the same way you will.
What I would do is ask around in the schools you normally do relief in, and find out who is the DP who does the interviews. Have a chat with them, you will need to ask if they will be willing to rate you. This is where you are at an advantage. CHOOSE THE ONE YOU GET ON WITH MOST! and the one who rates you the most as a good teacher. There is no point doing this with someone who dislikes you. Also ask around other teachers who mentor student teachers, and ask what they are like.
Then hopefully the DP might say, just jot a few things down on paper, and pop in for a chat, and thats your interview. This is kind of what happend with me. I mean they did it formally, came to 5 mins of a lesson. Then my HOD and DP sat me down, asked 2 questions each from the criteria, and bingo bango I had a rating 1!
Some DP's are really strict about it and will do it really formally and want the 1000 word essays... others are flexible. If you have been teaching for a while the whole answering the criteria is really easy, nothing to worry about at all. Its much harder for a student teacher as they have nothing to write about!
I may even have my criteria somewhere if you want!
If you need any more help ask away
Amanda
#7
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2007
Location: Perth
Posts: 175
Re: Sick of relief teaching in Brisbane. Ratings advice please.
Hi - I hope you don't mind me jumping on your thread....
We are Brisbane bound and I am a secondary English teacher. I am aware that it may take a while to get a job, am prepared to do supply etc. I am in the process of registering with the Queensland Teacher's Assoc but what are ratings?? From your posts it seems like it's a type of evaluation - leading to pay scales?
I have been out of the uk for a while so I am not familiar with 'the threashold' but is ratings something like that?
Any other advice you can give on finding jobs would be appreciated too while we're on the topic!
We are Brisbane bound and I am a secondary English teacher. I am aware that it may take a while to get a job, am prepared to do supply etc. I am in the process of registering with the Queensland Teacher's Assoc but what are ratings?? From your posts it seems like it's a type of evaluation - leading to pay scales?
I have been out of the uk for a while so I am not familiar with 'the threashold' but is ratings something like that?
Any other advice you can give on finding jobs would be appreciated too while we're on the topic!
#8
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: The Woodlands Texas
Posts: 202
Re: Sick of relief teaching in Brisbane. Ratings advice please.
Basically you have to register with the QLD college of teachers. Then you will need to apply to ED QLD, basically it is different from the UK as you are employed by the state not the school. The state will put you where you are needed, in theory.
the easiest route in is to do supply, you still need to register with ED QLD. Once you have done a number of days supply (I can't remember) you need to have a rating interview. the school you do it at will rate you from 1 - 5 1 = great 5= don't even bother.
Once you have your rating you can apply for a permenant position.
If you go in through the supply route, you will firstly get an idea of the schools in your area, and hopefully get longer contracts with that school, then try and get something more permenant. The best thing is in Oz you get long service leave, which is an additional 10 weeks holiday after you have been there 10 years. so there are heaps and heaps of longish contracts all the time.
When I first arrived I just handed out my CV to schools in my area. Some schools use a supply 'finder' and its all handled externally to the school, some schools call their own. I would reccommed doing the CV thing, it will get your name out there, and schools are always looking for dependable teachers.
there are also many private schools in brisbane, they advertise in the courier mail on a saturday. they will be starting to advertise now for the new school year, so thats another option. look up the courier mail online. good luck
Amanda
the easiest route in is to do supply, you still need to register with ED QLD. Once you have done a number of days supply (I can't remember) you need to have a rating interview. the school you do it at will rate you from 1 - 5 1 = great 5= don't even bother.
Once you have your rating you can apply for a permenant position.
If you go in through the supply route, you will firstly get an idea of the schools in your area, and hopefully get longer contracts with that school, then try and get something more permenant. The best thing is in Oz you get long service leave, which is an additional 10 weeks holiday after you have been there 10 years. so there are heaps and heaps of longish contracts all the time.
When I first arrived I just handed out my CV to schools in my area. Some schools use a supply 'finder' and its all handled externally to the school, some schools call their own. I would reccommed doing the CV thing, it will get your name out there, and schools are always looking for dependable teachers.
there are also many private schools in brisbane, they advertise in the courier mail on a saturday. they will be starting to advertise now for the new school year, so thats another option. look up the courier mail online. good luck
Amanda
#9
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2007
Location: Perth
Posts: 175
Re: Sick of relief teaching in Brisbane. Ratings advice please.
Thank you so much Amanda. I have heard bits and pieces about supply, being employed by the state etc but you have explained it so clearly! Thanks again!
Incidently, how are supply teachers treated in oz by the kids? I have always had my own class and pretty easily built up a rapport, but I know supply can be tough. I suppose once your face gets seen in the school the kids get used to you. It's a great way to get to know the area, system and schools though... Also, what's the pay like? A previous poster mentioned $300/day, but in a private school, are state salaries the same???
Incidently, how are supply teachers treated in oz by the kids? I have always had my own class and pretty easily built up a rapport, but I know supply can be tough. I suppose once your face gets seen in the school the kids get used to you. It's a great way to get to know the area, system and schools though... Also, what's the pay like? A previous poster mentioned $300/day, but in a private school, are state salaries the same???
#10
Re: Sick of relief teaching in Brisbane. Ratings advice please.
Thank you so much Amanda. I have heard bits and pieces about supply, being employed by the state etc but you have explained it so clearly! Thanks again!
Incidently, how are supply teachers treated in oz by the kids? I have always had my own class and pretty easily built up a rapport, but I know supply can be tough. I suppose once your face gets seen in the school the kids get used to you. It's a great way to get to know the area, system and schools though... Also, what's the pay like? A previous poster mentioned $300/day, but in a private school, are state salaries the same???
Incidently, how are supply teachers treated in oz by the kids? I have always had my own class and pretty easily built up a rapport, but I know supply can be tough. I suppose once your face gets seen in the school the kids get used to you. It's a great way to get to know the area, system and schools though... Also, what's the pay like? A previous poster mentioned $300/day, but in a private school, are state salaries the same???
ACE
Last edited by ACE; Aug 27th 2007 at 1:38 pm. Reason: Added more info
#11
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: The Woodlands Texas
Posts: 202
Re: Sick of relief teaching in Brisbane. Ratings advice please.
I would second what ACE has written. Schools vary in their attitudes towards both teachers and supply. But I would say the general behaviour is better than the UK. Although you get different types of misbehaviour.
I also think its a lot to do with the actual supply teacher, I saw so many come in and just sit there and read papers etc:curse: then complain that the behaviour was bad! But I suppose that is the same the world over .
Daily pay, I can't fully remember, but I think it is based on a three or four year salary FLAT RATE, so no matter what the experience thats the pay. This stops ex-principals coming in and making a squillion a day!
Also if you manage to secure a contract before a holiday and at least 1 day after the holiday (even in different schools) you get paid for the holiday. And unfortunatly you should bet on NOT being paid for the summer break. Basically as I said you need to be working the day before and day after the holls, but what lots of schools do is finish teachers a week or two early. Or won't employ the first day back. You do get some leave loading though. I didn't know this and had to sell my scooter to pay my rent the first year I was there.
What area are you planning to move to? I'll give you some tips if I know the schools.
Amanda
I also think its a lot to do with the actual supply teacher, I saw so many come in and just sit there and read papers etc:curse: then complain that the behaviour was bad! But I suppose that is the same the world over .
Daily pay, I can't fully remember, but I think it is based on a three or four year salary FLAT RATE, so no matter what the experience thats the pay. This stops ex-principals coming in and making a squillion a day!
Also if you manage to secure a contract before a holiday and at least 1 day after the holiday (even in different schools) you get paid for the holiday. And unfortunatly you should bet on NOT being paid for the summer break. Basically as I said you need to be working the day before and day after the holls, but what lots of schools do is finish teachers a week or two early. Or won't employ the first day back. You do get some leave loading though. I didn't know this and had to sell my scooter to pay my rent the first year I was there.
What area are you planning to move to? I'll give you some tips if I know the schools.
Amanda
#12
Re: Sick of relief teaching in Brisbane. Ratings advice please.
ACE
#13
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2007
Location: Perth
Posts: 175
Re: Sick of relief teaching in Brisbane. Ratings advice please.
Thanks again - without wanting to gush, your information is invaluable to me!
Amanda - I'll pm you with our plans!
Cheers
Amanda - I'll pm you with our plans!
Cheers
#14
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: The Woodlands Texas
Posts: 202
Re: Sick of relief teaching in Brisbane. Ratings advice please.
I was a HOd in my last school, and the amount of supply teachers I spoke my mind to was unbelievable. They would come to me complaining about behaviour etc and I would just say... 'well if you actually looked at what was going on and intervened (sp?)' used to drive me nuts.
We actually had one teacher who would read the paper all day... I gave her a piece of my mind too !