Relief, Casual and Temporary Teaching in NSW - Pay and Conditions

Most teachers in NSW begin their teaching career as casual, relief or temporary teachers

Casual teacher are employed on a day-to-day basis replacing permanent teachers who are absent or participating in other activities.

Casual teachers are paid a daily rate, based on years of training and experience, which is loaded to include a component for sick leave and vacation pay. In 2012, a four year trained teacher earns between $301 and $347 per day depending on experience.

As a temporary teacher you are employed full-time for four weeks to a year or part-time for two terms or more. Temporary teachers receive most of the entitlements of permanent teachers, including annual salary, on a pro-rata basis.
In NSW, a casual or temporary teacher's role involves

• knowing your lesson content well 
• preparing lessons; 
• providing homework where appropriate and follow up the homework; 
• participating in whole school activities; 
• performing any rostered playground duty; and 
• contributing to school or faculty activities, special events, excursions or meetings. 

Benefits of casual and temporary teaching

Casual and temporary employment provides valuable experience for teachers

• just starting out, 
• seeking variety and new experiences in their careers, 
• wanting flexibility in order to balance work and family responsibilities, 
• awaiting permanent appointment, 

Teacher could gain an offer of permanent employment more quickly through the Teacher Employment Priority Scheme (TEPS).

TEPS enables you to enhance your priority date for permanent employment. Depending on the schools in which you work, your priority date for permanent employment may be enhanced by up to 18 months for every 50 days of casual or temporary service in NSW public schools.