The IEU’s hints for a successful start as a CRT

Contact schools directly

Ask to speak to the Daily Organiser, who arranges coverage for classes when a teacher is absent. Start with schools closest to where you live and ask what agencies they use or if they hire CRTs directly. Let them know you are reliable and can get to them quickly. If they accept direct approaches, simplify your CV. A streamlined summary is more useful for a busy organiser than a life story. Apps like ClassCover or CanUWork can also help you find work.

Simplify your CRT CV

Address: make sure your address is prominent, especially if you live near the school.

Emphasise your phone number: this makes it as easy as possible for busy daily organisers to find you.

Availability: Make sure schools know when you can be contacted.

Your work history: List your work experience, highlighting school practical placements and any relevant employment, such as babysitter, coach, or tutor. If you get a chance with a school, make sure you are reliable and on time.

Join your union

You want industrial experts on your side throughout your career, but especially at the outset. The IEU is a vibrant, diverse community of colleagues that supports you to reach your professional potential. The IEU offers expert advice, high-quality professional development opportunities, and heaps of other member benefits and discounts. The IEU has a reciprocal arrangement with the AEU, which means that as a CRT member of either union you will be entitled to support of the other if you encounter any issues.

Behaviour management hints

As a CRT, you need strategies you can depend upon when you encounter a new classroom of kids.

Preparation Request a seating chart and familiarise yourself with the school’s policies, the class schedule and objectives for the day.

A good start Your initial first interaction with students is crucial. Begin the day with a warm smile, a friendly greeting, and a brief self-introduction. Let students know you’re there to help and learn together. You can set the tone for the entire day in the first 15 minutes of your shift.

Set Clear Expectations At the outset, make classroom rules and expectations of students explicit. Explain the consequences of not following the rules and ensure they are consistently enforced. Students should clearly understand what behaviour is acceptable and what is not.

Confidence If you’re not feeling confident, ‘fake it ’til you make it’. Present as professional and composed to calm an unsettled class. If conflict arises, stay calm and deal with it assertively.

Get to Know the Students Even as a CRT, it’s worth taking the time to ask students’ names and ask them about their interests. Taking an interest puts students at ease, builds rapport and fosters a respectful classroom.

Structure, routine Even in the relatively brief time you have with a class, they will react well to the establishment of a schedule and clear instructions for activities. The class will behave better when it knows what to expect.

Positive Reinforcement Praise good behaviour, and effort. Encouragement helps most people, including students, to behave better and cooperate more fully.