Your Role as an OT

There is No Substitute for an Occasional Teacher

Some common-sense approaches when working with students:

  • Keep the classroom door open, if possible.
  • If you must speak to a student alone, keep it brief and professional. Stay given the hallway and stand by the door with another teacher nearby if possible.
  • Maintain your personal space. Don’t allow students to crowd around you or your desk.
  • Do not spend time with students outside of your teaching responsibilities.

A Role Model for Students

As an Occasional Teacher, your appearance and demeanour should reflect professionalism. You are responsible for student safety and learning.

Upon arrival at a school, familiarize yourself with:

  • The school’s Code of Conduct
  • Emergency procedures (fire drills, evacuation, lockdown, emergency numbers)
  • Safety plans and procedures
  • School intercom and internal phone systems

You are expected to assume the full duties of the teacher you are replacing, which include:

  • Arriving on time as specified in the assignment
  • Checking in at the main office
  • Accessing your classroom and supplies
  • Reviewing lesson plans, keys, attendance, safety protocols, and student health alerts
  • Providing appropriate work if lesson plans are unavailable
  • Locking unattended classrooms
  • Supervising students at all times—do not leave them unattended
  • Taking attendance according to school policy
  • Following all provided lesson plans
  • Reporting student incidents to the main office
  • Remaining for the full school day
  • Leaving a note for the regular teacher
  • Returning keys before leaving
  • Reporting any accidents or violent incidents immediately

Classroom Management Strategies

Occasional Teachers are expected to uphold classroom management standards as per the Education Act and TDSB policies. Effective strategies include:

  • Greeting students as they arrive
  • Positioning yourself where you can see and be seen
  • Using attendance to build rapport
  • Applying appropriate proximity and eye contact
  • Maintaining a positive and respectful tone
  • Delegating small tasks to engage students
  • Ensuring students are listening before giving instructions
  • Minimizing unnecessary movement
  • Addressing issues in a calm, problem-solving way
  • Keeping students engaged with relevant work
  • Encouraging participation
  • Calling administration before a crisis escalates
  • Alerting the office if sending a student out, and completing any required documentation

Survival Guides and Resources for OTs

Classtime

Classtime is a mobile app that helps occasional teachers track their work schedule. It allows users to:

  • Log assignment dates and schools
  • Track payment status
  • Store school and teacher names for quick reference

The app is available free on Android and iOS via Google Play and the Apple App Store.

WorkLog

WorkLog is a free app designed for re-employed pensioners to track their re-employment days.

  • Log your work days to track progress toward the 50-day limit
  • Stay within your re-employment limit to avoid pension suspension
  • Calendar features green/yellow/red indicators for work limits

Available on Android and iOS through Google Play and the Apple App Store.

The Three Rs of Membership in OSSTF

Rules of Membership

Membership categories include:

  • Active Members: Currently employed and paying fees
  • Newly Organized Members: Begin paying dues after their first collective agreement
  • Casual/Limited-Term Members: Retain membership for a time after their last workday
  • Active Retired Members (ARM): Retired members who pay a $50 annual fee

Rights

Members are entitled to:

  • Democratic participation (voting, meetings, running for office)
  • Professional judgement and fair treatment
  • Fair representation by the union

Responsibilities

Members are expected to:

  • Comply with OSSTF/FEESO policies and bylaws
  • Uphold the OSSTF/FEESO Pledge and Statement of Ethics
  • Support negotiators and participate in union actions
  • Follow professional conduct standards
  • Provide written notice when making an adverse report on another member (exceptions apply to child protection reporting)

Refer to the OSSTF/FEESO Constitution and Bylaws for full details.

See also the quick reference: Your Role as an Occasional Teacher