Adapted from ETFO, Professional Beginnings: An Induction Guide, 2002.

Occasional Teaching – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should I take anything with me to the teaching assignment?

It is important for you to maintain the continuity of the classroom teacher’s academic program. This 
is achieved by following the teacher’s lesson plans as closely as possible. However, you may arrive in 
a classroom where it is not possible to implement the planned lessons for that day. In fact, if you were 
called in with little warning, there may not be any lesson plans.

In order to ensure you are prepared to handle just about any situation, you need a “tote” full of materials 
that may be used to enhance an activity, for time between activities, or to assist in creating a lesson. 
These high-interest activities should be linked to the Ontario curriculum and provide students with 
meaningful and purposeful learning experiences. You may want to keep three bags of materials; one for 
each division: primary, junior and intermediate.

What do I do when I arrive at school?

O Check in at the office to announce your arrival.
O Introduce yourself to the school secretary and administration.
O Pick up keys to the classroom.
O Locate the classroom and other rooms you may need throughout the day. A school map may 

be provided to you or there may be one in the classroom. Be sure to locate the staff room, the 
workroom, and the staff washroom.

O Unlock the classroom door, find the daybook, and prepare for the day.
O Ask about student safety plans and if there is a Worker’s Safety Plan.

n

 safe schools/health and safety issues; reporting forms

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 guidelines for referral to Children’s Aid Society

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 school improvement or action plan

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 process for getting support for special needs students

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 occasional teachers – what materials to leave

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 library resources – process for teachers and students to sign out materials

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 field trips – school and board policies and procedures

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 school council members and meeting schedule

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 report card information (e.g., hardware and software requirements)

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 student safety plans

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 board policies regarding the safe use of technology

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