Orientation checklist for
teachers
Junior Secondary teacher
This checklist is designed to:
 make preparing for your role as easy as possible
 help you acquire the information you need before beginning in a Junior Secondary context.
Understanding the school’s culture and values

Discuss the school’s vision/ mission statement /statement of purpose

Discuss the school’s strategic priorities

Discuss the school’s philosophy of Junior Secondary


Obtain copies of your school’s frameworks and policies including:
 pedagogical framework
 school-wide behaviour plan
Discuss the school’s approach to student wellbeing

Look for ways to influence the school’s vision for Junior Secondary
Understanding the school structure





Understand the leadership structure of the school, including who your line manager is and who is
in your team
Discuss your responsibilities in the Junior Secondary team – year level, subjects, homeroom,
planning, reporting, assessment
Discuss the school’s processes regarding use of student information and class data (through
OneSchool)
Discuss the school timetabling arrangements including class structure, lesson length, classroom
use, covering classes, playground duty
Discuss opportunities for extra- curricular involvement with student activities
Understanding the school’s approach to professional learning

Discuss the school’s approach to the Developing Performance Framework

Note the dates for professional development sessions, staff meetings, faculty meetings
Understanding the schools approach to parent and community engagement

Discuss the school’s strategies for building positive partnerships with parents, carers and families

Discuss communication expectations – newsletter, website

Obtain a copy of the school’s calendar and make note of the Junior Secondary events

http://deta.qld.gov.au/about/induction/eq/teachers/getting-started/checklist.html