Before you walk in
- Find the office first: sign in, get the class list, any medical or learning support notes, and the fire and lockdown procedure.
- Ask who the buddy class or nearest teacher is, in case you need help.
- Check the teacher's desk for a plan, the timetable and duties. Teach their plan if there is one.
- Write your name, the date and the first task on the board before the bell.
Running a relief lesson
Greet students at the door and start the roll straight away: it settles the room and tells you names. Give one clear instruction at a time, and keep the first task short and easy to start, so everyone is working within two minutes.
Use students' names as soon as you can, praise the behaviour you want to see, and deal with problems quietly and privately rather than in front of the class. If something serious happens, follow the school's process and get help from the office or a nearby teacher.
Leave a note
Before you go, leave a short note for the class teacher: what you covered, who was absent, anything that happened, and students who worked well. Schools remember relievers who leave good notes. More tips in our relief teaching guide.
Questions teachers ask
What does no-prep mean here?
Everything the lesson needs is a whiteboard, paper, pens and pencils. No devices, printing, photocopying, scissors or glue, and nothing to set up before the class arrives.
Should I use this if the teacher left a plan?
No. Always teach the class teacher's plan first. Keep a relief lesson for when there's no plan, the plan runs out early, or the resources it needs aren't there.
Can I use it for NCEA classes?
Yes, as general skill practice in the subject. It never replaces assessment for credits, and senior students may have their own work to get on with, so ask them first.