Did you know 
that most board 
consultative staff, 
coaches, facilitators, 
and resource 
support teachers are 
ETFO members?

O Familiarize yourself with students who have special needs (e.g. behaviour plans, medications). 

This information should be in the daybook. If it isn’t, check with the school administration or 
secretary.

O Review classroom rules, routines and expectations.
O At the start of class inform the students that the regular classroom rules, routines, and 

expectations will be followed.

O Inform students about what you need them to do, rather than what they need to stop doing.
O Provide clear instructions before an activity begins, offering students an opportunity to ask 

questions.

What does “professionalism” mean for an occasional teacher?

O Be punctual.
O Dress professionally.
O Familiarize yourself with board policies.
O Familiarize yourself with school and class routines and policies.
O Be a role-model for how you want the students to conduct themselves.
O Be flexible.
O Be respectful.

Your collective agreement may identify specific items of information that each school should supply to 
you. Many schools have occasional teacher packages outlining important information about the school 
and individual classrooms; check to see if one is available for each school at which your work. Remember 
to support the collective agreement by following its provisions.

If in doubt, contact the local.

Adapted from: ETFO, Head of the Class – Making it Work!, 2002.

Parent/Guardian Communication

Parents/Guardians are your partners in the learning process. You need to establish a relationship 

with them from the beginning days of school. There is evidence that when parents/guardians are involved 
in their child’s education, achievement is enhanced. Involvement may include two-way communication, 
assisting with homework and volunteering in the school.

O Communicate regularly about individual and class achievements.
O Invite parents/guardians to share their observations and insights about their child.
O Send home monthly newsletters outlining the learning topics, upcoming events and field trips.
O Provide tips on how parents/guardians can support student learning at home:

– reading to and with the student;
– playing games that require thinking and problem solving; and
– monitoring homework.

O Extend an invitation to parents to join in creating a successful learning experience for their child.

Meet-the-Teacher

Your first formal introduction to parents/guardians will be at a “Meet the Teacher” activity which is 
usually held early in September. This is a time to introduce you, the curriculum and to begin to establish 
a relationship with the parents/guardians.

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