Relief teaching: juggling expectations and uncertainty

By Sarah Duggan
Published November 5, 2015

Studies indicate that over the course of a student’s schooling, approximately one year will be spent in the company of a relief teacher.

As the human cogs in our educational system – a system that would otherwise fray to pieces – relief teachers ...

This story appeared in the November 2015 edition of Australian Teacher Magazine.

Maths Graduate

Veritas North London

Teaching - Secondary / Jan 13, 2026

Room Leader

Veritas Leeds

Teaching - Early childhood / Jan 13, 2026

Lead Educator

Oak on Jellicoe Only About Kids Toowoomba Toowoomba QLD

Explore how we enhance and support our Story House-ers at our OAK on Rangeville service, proudly certified as a Great Place to Work!

Childcare & Outside School Hours Care / Jan 13, 2026

School news / Chickens, guinea pigs and more: animal assisted wellbeing program grows

Victorian public school students will get to enjoy more fluffy, furry and feathered friends in their classrooms in the new year with State Government funding support to the tune of $2.7 million for animal-assisted wellbeing and engagement programs.

School news / Tragedy spurs warnings on underwater breath-holding in the coming summer months

For many of us, swimming is a source of joy and freedom, and snorkelling underwater is a summer staple, but did you know that holding your breath in shallow water can be fatal.

School news / Mental health blow: My Mind Check platform closes due to Fed Govt funding cut

A free digital mental health platform used by more than 200 schools (and counting) has been wound up due to its Department of Education funding being cut.

School news / ‘This is something that’s learned’: Gonski to lead new Anti-Semitism Education Taskforce

Independent Schools Australia (ISA) has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement of the Anti-Semitism Education Taskforce, describing it as an important step in strengthening social cohesion and addressing anti-semitism.

School news / Getting them on track: new WA pilot program aims to break cycles of disadvantage

The WA Government is seeking people with cultural, community and child development expertise to advise on a ground-breaking initiative to help prevent youth crime.

School news / Teaching disability awareness and shaping how future gens understand inclusion

With more than 5.5 million Australians living with disability, early education has become critical in shaping how future generations understand inclusion, accessibility, and equality – yet schools still lack regular access to disability awareness ...

School news / Grappling with an unspeakable tragedy: talking to children about the Bondi attack

Parents are being encouraged to gently check in with their children who may be feeling unsettled or fearful after the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.

School news / Safer in school: extra year of compulsory schooling reduces child harm: new study

Compulsory schooling for 16-year-olds boosts attendance and reduces their risk of maltreatment and need for emergency healthcare, new research has found.

School news / National Curriculum designed to fuel climate anxiety among children, new report says

The National Curriculum is skewed towards ideological environmental instruction through the mandated cross-curriculum priority of sustainability, according to a new report, which has also been criticised for its political motives.

School news / Vic Govt resources supporting students’ mental health at school and online

The Victorian Government has released new resources for schools to help students, teachers and parents navigate the impacts of social media and screentime.

Relief teaching: juggling expectations and uncertainty

Comments

EducationID

Our services

Ad centre