What have you enjoyed most about your experience teaching in Australia?
I have enjoyed the wonderful schools and students I get to visit. I also enjoyed the challenge of adapting my teaching style to the various situations I came across throughout the normal teaching day. The variety you get with casual relief work keeps the job fresh and new, its different everyday!
What comments do you have about the services provided by ANZUK?
ANZUK gave me an awesome opportunity. Moving to a new country on the other side of the world, I would have had no idea where to start. Thanks to ANZUK, they’re knowledgeable staff helped guide me through all the steps in becoming a teacher and making the move to Australia. Once here, I had was given a 2 week placement at an awesome school, whose requested me back regularly throughout the school year, and has offered me a 1 year teaching position for next school year. I sincerely believe that I would not have had the same success without ANZUK!
How did you ensure success as a teacher in ANZUK’s schools?
Being on time and professional are key. Being active and involved in your class, and trying to make meaningful learning moments for the students when their regular teacher is absent, really show the school you are committed and care about what you do. Schools and their staff really admire teachers who show an interest in the students and what they do. I’ve heard horror stories from schools saying that previous CRTs have spent all class on their cell phones, done nothing for the students and have even fallen asleep during class! From personal experience, if you establish a good relationship with a school and show them you are reliable and enthusiastic, they’ll keep calling you back and you’ll have no shortage of work!
How would you rate the quality of ANZUK’s schools and the quantity of work you have received?
Having established an excellent relationship with the first school I was placed in, I never had an issue with not enough work. I was working 5 days a week up until the end of the year. If I had no work, ANZUK would always have something else waiting for me. The schools I have been to have had amazing staff that were always willing to help and show you anything you needed to help your day run smoother.
What advice do you have for future Canadians coming to teach in Melbourne?
My advice is to make sure you take time to enjoy the fact that you are in Australia. For me it was easy to get lost in the day to day life stuff, and I needed to take time to remind myself that I’m doing all of this in Australia. Make sure you take the time to travel and see this beautiful country! Also be sure to brush up on games that you can play in class to fill up a few minutes here and there, they are essential!
