Making Positive Impressions at Schools

The moment you walk into the front gates of a school and greet the office staff, you

as a casual relief teacher are taking your first steps towards making a positive impression with schools.

The benefit of making a positive impression is that you can be asked for more casual relief work in the future and be able to create your own connections with staff members.

Here are some tips to start off the new year and make these positive impressions in schools:

1. Dress professionally and appropriately for relief work.

We as teachers are good examples to students which is why it is important to dress professionally when working at schools, as you are representing yourself. Many schools have dress codes that we must abide by such as not wearing open-toe shoes or making sure you have shoulders covered from the sun especially during allocated yard duties. Making yourself look professional, shows you are respectful to yourself and showing you have confidence in what you are doing in the teaching profession.

2. Arriving 30 minutes early.

Arriving 30 minutes early is key to making your first impressions positive with the school. This not only makes you seem like a dedicated teacher, but it also makes you more prepared for the day. During this time, you can gather information on when and where your allocated yard duty is, the classroom you will be located, and lastly reading through your outline and resources for the day. This is also the key time if nothing is left to speak to staff members who can support you throughout the day.

3. Having recess or lunch in the Staff Room.

Having recess or lunch in the staff room can be an intimidating experience, especially if you are not sure of where to sit and not knowing staff members. However, we have to build our confidence to sit with others and have a conversation with others. By having a conversation with staff members, you are building a rapport and connections with others. You never know, you might makes someones day!

4. Leaving a positive note for the replaced teacher.

It is routine to make sure a note is left for the replaced teacher to communicate how the day went and notify any other important notes for the teacher. This is make the classroom teacher feel they haven’t missed out on anything while absent. Leaving positive messages about the day is key to making a positive impression. This could be about the lessons taught, certain staff and students who were a great help, or even how you enjoyed your day in the classroom!

5. Leaving the classroom tidy.

Make sure you leave the classroom tidy and how it was before. This shows you are a well organised and respecting the classroom environment by not leaving a mess for the replaced teacher to clean.

6. Signing out and saying, “Thank You!”

To leave your mark on a school when ending the day is speaking to the office staff when signing out. A simple smile and a “Thank you, see you next time!” are never too hard to do as it shows you are friendly and willing to come back to work at the school.

The next time you are working at a school, try out these helpful tips as they can leave positive feedback on your teaching practise as a CRT.

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