Teaching is a dynamic and demanding profession, requiring a multitude of responsibilities, time management, and a broad spectrum of tasks that need to be tackled efficiently. This article aims to shed light on some key aspects of teaching duties, their relative importance, time allocation, and how they are structured within the school system.
See more: Navigating the Teaching Profession: A Comprehensive Guide for New Teachers.
Understanding the Scope of Teacher Duties
Teachers undertake a wide variety of duties, with the gravity of each duty being dependent on certain factors such as:
- The nature and complexity of the duty
- The required time to perform the duty
- The range and frequency of tasks
- The teacher’s classification, salary range, and qualifications
- The teacher’s training and experience
- The activities set out in specific subclauses
For instance, if a teacher is required to travel between schools or campuses on a given day, an allowance is included within their work requirements, acknowledging the additional time and logistical considerations involved.
Organizational Duties and Their Allocation
Beyond face-to-face teaching, teachers may also be tasked with additional organizational duties, which are in line with their professional classification level and salary range. These duties contribute to the smooth running of the school and can be determined by the principal, acting as the Employer’s representative.
Once these duties are established, they, along with any special payment or time release associated, are advertised to teachers within the school. Teachers are then allowed to express interest in one or more of these duties. A merit-based selection process is used to assess expressions of interest, and the successful applicant for each duty is then determined. It is important to note that a teacher can decline the offer, and an unfilled duty can be allocated to any suitable teacher.
Professional Practice Days
Teachers are entitled to be released from their scheduled duties for a certain number of Professional Practice Days each year. For instance, there will be three Professional Practice Days in 2022, two in 2023, and one in 2024 and each subsequent school year.
These days are reserved for the improvement of teaching quality and learning outcomes and are in addition to existing pupil-free days and planning time. The work undertaken on these days will align with Departmental and school priorities. Activities for these days may include planning, preparation, assessment of student learning, collaboration, curriculum development, relevant professional development, and peer observation, including feedback and reflection.
The timing and focus of each Professional Practice Day are generally agreed upon by both the teacher and the principal. However, if an agreement is not reached, the timing will be determined by the principal, and the focus of the day will be determined by the teacher, aligning with the focus areas outlined above.
Addressing Excessive or Unreasonable Work
It’s important to acknowledge that teachers may sometimes find their workload excessive or unreasonable. If such a situation arises and resolution cannot be achieved at the school level, the matter can be referred to a higher authority for resolution, ensuring the teachers’ wellbeing and job satisfaction.
In conclusion, teaching responsibilities are multifaceted and require careful planning and fair distribution. By understanding these responsibilities better, we can ensure a more balanced and effective learning environment for everyone involved. Remember, your voice matters and having an open conversation about your responsibilities can lead to a more satisfying and rewarding teaching experience.
