10 Common Challenges for Casual Teachers—And How to Overcome Them
STAFFVIEW
Casual teaching offers variety, flexibility, and the chance to work across different schools and classrooms. But it’s not without its hurdles. From last-minute bookings to unclear expectations, casual teachers face a unique set of challenges that can make the job overwhelming at times.
In this post, we’re breaking down the 10 most common casual teachers challenges—along with smart, practical ways to overcome them. Whether you’re new to relief teaching or have been doing it for years, these tips will help you feel more prepared, confident, and in control.
1. Unpredictable Work Schedule
Casual teaching often means not knowing when your next booking is coming—and that uncertainty can make it hard to plan your week or predict your income.
Solution:
With StaffView, you don’t need to set availability in advance. Instead, you're matched with jobs that align with your profile preferences. To stay organised, we recommend keeping a personal diary or digital calendar where you can tentatively block out days you’d like to work.
When a job comes through, you’ll receive a “You Are Booked” email—that’s your confirmation to lock it in. Until then, marking days as tentative can help you stay flexible without overcommitting.
2. Lack of Routine
Each school does things differently—from bell times to behaviour policies—which can make routines hard to establish.
Solution: While it’s ideal to read through the entire TRT folder, it can be quite lengthy. If time is limited before the bell, prioritise reviewing critical information such as allergy alerts, and evacuation procedures. Yard duty maps and behaviour policies can be checked during the first break or while on duty, as it may be difficult to cover everything before students arrive.
3. Minimal Preparation Time
Getting called in at the last minute is part of casual teaching—but it often means stepping into a classroom with little or no time to prepare.
Solution:
Create a folder of reliable, go-to activities and classroom management strategies that you can adapt for different year levels. Having a few tried-and-tested resources at your fingertips makes a huge difference.
Better yet, keep these materials digitally stored on a USB or cloud storage (like Google Drive or Dropbox) so you can access them from anywhere—even if you walk into a classroom with no notice.
4. Behaviour Management
Managing a new class of students with no prior relationship can be tricky.
Solution: Start each class by setting clear expectations. Use calm authority and make an effort to learn a few names early to help establish rapport. Teachers often leave notes about students’ learning difficulties or seating arrangements (e.g., who shouldn’t sit together). During roll call, try to make a mental note of the names and match them to faces, as it will help you build connections and address any specific needs right from the start.
5. Lack of Feedback
Casual teachers rarely receive feedback, which can make it hard to know how you're doing—or how to improve.
Solution:
Take the initiative by leaving a short, thoughtful note for the classroom teacher about how the day went. You might also include a line asking if they’re open to sharing any feedback in return. Even small insights can help you refine your teaching approach and feel more connected.
Providing feedback also shows professionalism and reflection—traits that help build your reputation and lead to more bookings.
✅ Facing similar struggles? Create your free STAFFVIEW profile now and start taking control of your casual teaching journey.
6. Navigating New Systems
Each school may use different attendance systems, portals, or protocols.
Solution: Arrive early when possible, and don’t hesitate to ask support staff for a quick overview of systems.
7. Feeling Disconnected
Casual teachers often feel left out of staff meetings, events, or daily conversations.
Solution: Introduce yourself at the front office and staffroom. A warm hello can go a long way in creating connections.
8. Income Insecurity
The unpredictable nature of casual work can make budgeting and long-term planning tricky.
Solution:
While StaffView matches you with jobs that suit your preferences—making bookings more consistent—it’s still important to stay on top of your income. Track your workdays, note when you’ve been paid, and keep a simple record of expected pay dates and amounts.
Creating a basic spreadsheet or using a budgeting app can help you manage your cash flow and set realistic savings goals based on upcoming jobs.
9. Carrying All Your Resources
Some casual teachers bring everything "just in case," making mornings feel chaotic.
Solution: Pack a small, efficient kit with only essentials—think USB drive, stationery, printed activities, and class management cards.
10. Limited Career Progression
Many casual teachers feel “stuck” without clear steps for development or promotion.
Solution: Stay active in professional development, and treat every day as an opportunity to build your reputation with schools you enjoy working in.
Additional Tips for Casual Teachers
✅ Keep an organised digital log of the schools and year levels you've worked in.
✅ Keep an organised digital log of the schools and year levels you've worked in.
✅ Join online communities or local teacher groups for extra support.
❌ Avoid waiting for schools to contact you—use proactive tools like StaffView to take charge.
Conclusion: Empower Yourself as a Casual Teacher
Casual teaching doesn’t have to feel chaotic. With the right systems and mindset in place, you can turn common challenges into manageable moments. From behaviour management to booking consistency, a little preparation goes a long way.
At StaffView, we believe casual teachers deserve to feel confident and in control—every single day. That’s why we’ve created a simplified, free platform that connects teachers with schools based on their skills and availability