TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
GENERAL INFORMATION
Teacher Teaching on Call List ......................................................................................................... 2
Call-Out Procedures ......................................................................................................................... 2
BC Teachers’ Regulation Branch .................................................................................................... 3
Collective Agreement ....................................................................................................................... 3
School Act and Regulations ............................................................................................................. 3
Handbook for Teachers.................................................................................................................... 3

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF TEACHERS TEACHING ON CALL

Your Professional Role ..................................................................................................................... 4
Your Assignment ................................................................................................................................ 4
When You Arrive at School ............................................................................................................ 4

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Assignments ......................................................................................................................................... 5
Reports Concerning Performance of Teachers Teaching on Call ......................................... 5

AT THE SCHOOL
When You Reach the Classroom .................................................................................................. 6
When the Students Arrive ............................................................................................................... 6
Preparation Periods ........................................................................................................................... 7
Seating Plans and Supplementary Materials .................................................................................. 7
Resource Materials............................................................................................................................. 7
Emergency Exit Procedures ............................................................................................................. 7
Accidents and Injuries ....................................................................................................................... 7
Release of Students ............................................................................................................................ 8
Visitors .................................................................................................................................................. 8
Room Care .......................................................................................................................................... 8
Reminders before Leaving School .................................................................................................. 8

WHAT YOU MAY EXPECT

From the Administrator ................................................................................................................... 9
From the Teacher .............................................................................................................................. 9

CREATING A POSITIVE CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT ............................................... 10

PROFESSIONAL ETHICS ................................................................................................................... 11

Professional Association ................................................................................................................... 12

SCHOOL DIRECTORY......................................................................................................................... 13

(Qualicum) HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS TEACHING ON CALL 2022/2023 Page 1

 GENERAL INFORMATION

This handbook was designed to provide information for new Teachers Teaching on Call. Please
do not hesitate to call the Director of Human Resources, at the district office if you have any
further queries. Also, each school has a copy of the District Contact Directory which may assist
you.

TEACHER TEACHING ON CALL LIST

When a certified teaching applicant has been approved as a Teacher Teaching on Call, his/her
name will be included on the list of approved Teachers Teaching on Call.

Leaves of Absence and Unavailability:

The district values the services of Teachers Teaching on Call and believes that Teachers Teaching
on Call have a responsibility to be available to the district; thus requests for periods of
unavailability in excess of ten (10) working days will not receive district approval (this does not
include medical or maternity leaves). If you are unavailable in excess of ten continuous working
days, or if you are not available to accept ten callouts during the school year, your name may be
removed from the list for the succeeding year, and it would be necessary for you to re-apply.

Next School Year:

If you would like your name to remain on the Teachers Teaching on Call list for the next school
year, you must inform the Director of Human Resources, in writing, by June 30. Please include
confirmation that your BC Teachers’ Regulation Branch membership dues have been paid by the
June 30th deadline. Proof of current membership must be received by August 31st. If written
notification is not received, it will be assumed that you are pursuing other employment
opportunities and your name will be removed from the list. It will then be necessary for you to
re-apply.

CALL-OUT PROCEDURES
The district uses a central Dispatch Service for all staff. The Dispatch Clerk’s hours of work are
6:00 am until 1:00 pm. Please do not call the Dispatch Clerk directly except for
emergency situations, as she is busy placing calls to book replacements. You can leave a message
for the dispatcher by texting 250-240-1455 or e-mail Sarah Christou at schristou@sd69.bc.ca.

The Dispatch Clerk will be matching your teaching preferences and abilities to the subjects and
grade level taught by an absent teacher. Teachers Teaching on Call should keep the Dispatch
Clerk informed of any changes to your telephone number, subjects or grades you are willing to
teach, or in your availability. If information needs updating, please provide this information,
preferably in writing, as soon as possible. If you will be unavailable for a day or two, please

Page 2 HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS TEACHING ON CALL 2020/2021 School District 69

contact the Dispatch Clerk at 250-240-1455 or by e-mail at schristou@sd69.bc.ca.

Also, please remember that only the Dispatch Clerk can book a Teacher Teaching on Call. All
requests from principals or teachers must be confirmed by the Dispatch Clerk. If a teacher
contacts you directly, please indicate your availability, but ask the teacher to contact the Dispatch
Clerk immediately. The Dispatch Clerk MUST confirm the assignment. If you do not receive a
confirmation call from the Dispatch Clerk, please do NOT assume the assignment to be in place.
If uncertain, please leave a message for the Dispatch Clerk asking her to call you to confirm
before reporting to work.

Daily Absences
1. The Dispatch Clerk will contact you as early as possible in the morning. Please make sure
the dispatcher knows how to reach you. When possible, assignments will be made in
advance. However, most calls will occur between 6:00 am to 9:00 am. Please note that
messages will not be left with a second party or on answering machines.
2. If you are replacing a teacher due to illness, please check in at the school office before leaving
at the end of the day. The teacher may have contacted the office concerning the next day. If
the teacher has indicated that he/she will be away the following day, the Dispatch Clerk will
call to confirm the next morning.

BC TEACHERS’ REGULATION BRANCH

As a Teacher Teaching on Call, it is your responsibility to ensure that your membership with the
Teachers’ Regulation Branch is current. Annual membership fees are due by June 30th each year.
Teachers Teaching on Call who do not remain members in good standing will have their name
removed from the list of Teachers Teaching on Call. Please forward a copy of your current
Teachers’ Regulation Branch membership card to the Director of Human Resources each year.

COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT
Each approved Teacher Teaching on Call can access the current Collective Agreement between
School District 69 (Qualicum) and the Mount Arrowsmith Teachers' Association on line at
https://start.sd69.bc.ca/HR/DocsAndForms/MATADocs/MATA .
Please familiarize yourself with the terms of this agreement.

SCHOOL ACT AND REGULATIONS

A copy of the School Act and Regulations is usually available through a school administrator in a
publication called “Manual of School Law.” Teachers Teaching on Call are advised to read those
clauses relating to the duties and responsibilities of teaching (listed in the Index under
“Teachers”).

(Qualicum) HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS TEACHING ON CALL 2022/2023 Page 3

HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS
Individual school "Handbook for Teachers Teaching on Call" is available from the school
administrator. Teachers Teaching on Call will find useful information in these handbooks,
especially when they are filling a long-term position.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF TEACHERS TEACHING ON CALL

YOUR PROFESSIONAL ROLE

You are a TEACHER who will be substituting for contract teachers. As such, you are expected
to fulfill all the duties and responsibilities of the contract teacher who is absent.
This includes instruction, supervision, and attendance at any meetings requested by a principal.

Each school is different. Therefore, each administrator is responsible for advising you about
the routines, policies, and practices of his/her school. As a Teacher Teaching on Call, you are
naturally expected to observe these policies and procedures.

YOUR ASSIGNMENT
Ideally, the district would like to give you as much notice as possible of their need for your
services. However, sudden illnesses often require that you be given very short notice for work.
PLEASE BE PREPARED TO ACCEPT SUCH PHONE CALLS from the Dispatch Clerk.

Starting times for schools differ. You should check on this aspect when accepting an assignment
and try to arrive at school in good time to assume your duties comfortably. If a school is in
session when you arrive, still take as much time as possible to observe the following guidelines.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT SCHOOL

1. Report to the office and sign in. It is advisable to keep a personal record, detailing dates and
locations.

Page 4 HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS TEACHING ON CALL 2020/2021 School District 69

2. Secure instructions as to the school routine, including the bell schedule, special programs or
activities planned, fire drill procedure, matters of discipline, floor plan, etc.
3. Learn whether any duties have been assigned to the contract teacher for the day. The
Teacher Teaching on Call shall assume the duties of the teacher he or she is replacing.
4. Make sure any key(s) you receive are kept secure on your person at all times. Board
Administrative Procedure – Security of Property and Assets outlines the potential liability for
lost or misplaced keys.
5. Check the contract teacher's mail drawer for announcements or directives, but use discretion
when removing items.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

ASSIGNMENTS

1. Once a Teacher Teaching on Call has accepted an assignment through contact with the
Dispatch Clerk, he/she should undertake the assignment regardless of other offers, except
under exceptional circumstances.

2. If a Teacher Teaching on Call cannot continue an assignment, he/she must notify the Dispatch
Clerk and the administrator or designate of the school. The Dispatch Clerk will then arrange
for a replacement Teacher Teaching on Call.

3. Upon completing an assignment, a Teacher Teaching on Call is expected to confirm with the
school administration that his/her services are no longer required.

REPORTS CONCERNING PERFORMANCE OF TEACHERS TEACHING ON CALL

As per the current Collective Agreement between School District 69 and the Mount
Arrowsmith Teachers' Association:

School administrators may submit a written report to the Superintendent of Schools on any
Teacher Teaching on Call whose performance has been considered as "less than satisfactory". A

(Qualicum) HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS TEACHING ON CALL 2022/2023 Page 5

copy of such a report must also be given to the Teacher Teaching on Call concerned. After
receiving report(s) on any individual Teacher Teaching on Call, the name of the Teacher Teaching
on Call may be removed from the Teachers Teaching on Call list, and the Teacher Teaching on
Call will be advised, in writing, that this has been done, stating the reason(s) for the action taken.

Page 6 HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS TEACHING ON CALL 2020/2021 School District 69

 AT THE SCHOOL

WHEN YOU REACH THE CLASSROOM

1. Locate the contract teacher's daybook and review the day's program. Check the previous
day's outline and bulletin for activities which might affect the class. If you cannot find the
lesson plans, check to see if they have been left with the secretary or administrator.

2. Check for a Teacher Teaching on Call file which many teachers provide. These files often
contain information on class opening routines, class lists, seating plans, attendance
procedures, etc.

3. Prepare for an orderly beginning: class list, seating plan(s), enough texts and worksheets, A/V
materials or equipment, work for more able students, paper supplies and other materials.

4. Check the daybook or with the administrator for students having special problems or
requiring medication (including "medical alerts").

5. Check for lists of students on special programs (learning assistance, etc.) or receiving support
services from an Education Assistant or Child & Youth Care Worker. These support staff
are an invaluable source of information about the classroom and program routines and
expectations.

6. Introduce yourself to teachers with whom your class may be platooning and check on keys
and procedures for the use of the gym, library, and other facilities and equipment.

NOTE: The aim of the Teacher Teaching on Call, wherever possible, should be to fit into the
plans and to follow the instructions given by the contract teacher and to interpret the course of
study in accordance with them. A written comment should be left when the Teacher Teaching
on Call deviates from the plans left by the contract teacher.

WHEN THE STUDENTS ARRIVE

1. Introduce yourself. Write your name on the board and pronounce it.

2. Briefly explain the circumstances of your visit and that it shall be "business as usual" modified
by your ground rules where necessary (leaving room, etc.).

3. Complete attendance procedures as per individual school process.

4. Notify the school administration immediately of any accident or serious problem, but avoid
leaving a teaching area unsupervised. Try to note the names of students involved.

(Qualicum) HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS TEACHING ON CALL 2022/2023 Page 7

PREPARATION PERIODS
If the contract teacher for whom you are substituting has a non-teaching period or scheduled
preparation/administrative time, you should offer your services to an administrator unless you are
working for the contract teacher during that period completing work specifically identified by the
contract teacher to be done during that period of time.

The District is not required to dispatch Teachers Teaching on Call for periods of preparation
time which occur at the beginning or end of the school day.

SEATING PLANS AND SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS

It is usually wise to check that all seating plans are up to date and that students sit accordingly.

It is also a good idea to have supplementary lesson materials prepared (a "bag of tricks") for the
grade levels for which you substitute. Most experienced Teachers Teaching on Call are aware
that there are times when the expertise of a Teacher Teaching on Call cannot be matched with a
contract teacher's assignment.

Make sure, too, that you have sufficient material on hand to keep more able students profitably
engaged.

RESOURCE MATERIALS
Every school in the district has a resource centre or library. There is usually a staff member who
is in charge of audio-visual materials and other resources. If you plan to use such facilities or
equipment, you should confirm arrangements with the resource room/teacher-librarian well
ahead of time.

EMERGENCY EXIT PROCEDURES

Each school will have a slightly different routine. Regardless, during any alarm you must make
sure that you:

1. Take a record of attendance with you (class list).

2. Be sure to LEAD your class out of the building by an appropriate route.

ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES

Always use common sense when an accident or injury occurs. Do not leave the injured student.
Attend to the injury and in serious cases send a request to the office or nearest staff member for
help.
Particular attention to preventing accidents or injuries must be given when supervising playground
areas, physical education classes, shop, science, and home economics classes. Do not attempt to
instruct in areas for which you are not qualified.

Page 8 HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS TEACHING ON CALL 2020/2021 School District 69

The district has a standard form that must be completed when an accident or injury occurs to
any student. Make sure you notify the administrator or designate as soon as possible after the
accident.
Students who become sick or injured, either in the classroom or on the playing field, should not
be sent to the office, health room or restroom alone. Either send another reliable student with
him/her or get help from another staff member. Do not leave a hazardous teaching area
unsupervised.

RELEASE OF STUDENTS
No Teacher Teaching on Call should ever release a student from class or school without specific
authorization from the school office.

VISITORS
Parents or visitors to a building must report to the office and obtain appropriate approvals before
visiting any classroom.

ROOM CARE
The care of the room is the responsibility of the Teacher Teaching on Call. It should be left clean
and orderly; chairs should be in their proper places, paper picked up and windows closed. This is
not, however, to suggest that the Teacher Teaching on Call is expected to do the picking up; he
or she should see that it is done by the students.

REMINDERS BEFORE LEAVING SCHOOL

1. Leave an outline of work done in each subject/class, with comments for material not covered.
Include your name and phone number in case the contract teacher wishes to contact you.

2. Leave a note or send an email to the contract teacher with feedback pertaining to behaviour
concerns with any of the students.

3. Correct all student assignments where feasible.

4. Whenever possible, prepare an outline of work for the following day. Assume that you or
another Teacher Teaching on Call may be back the next day.

5. Check that attendance has been properly recorded.

6. Leave an orderly room, with books and supplies in their customary places and with borrowed
materials and equipment returned to their sources. Please ensure the room is secured and
windows are closed.

(Qualicum) HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS TEACHING ON CALL 2022/2023 Page 9

7. Occasionally, Teachers Teaching on Call are required to collect money from students. If so,
keep an accurate record of which students pay how much for what item. Do not leave
money unattended in a classroom; give it to the school secretary for safe keeping at the next
scheduled break.

8. Please return school keys to the office.

WHAT YOU MAY EXPECT

FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR

1. Information regarding the class, including need for medication or other special care.

2. Support in maintaining the authority of the teacher.

FROM THE TEACHER

1. A complete daybook which sets out a teaching plan for the day, which includes supervision,
special events, etc.

Teachers Teaching on Call should be prepared to use their initiative when emergency
circumstances may have precluded adequate preparation by the contract teacher.

Some schools keep a Teacher Teaching on Call file, which may be useful until teacher contact
is made.

2. A current seating plan for standard classrooms or a class list for open areas. Any pupil
requiring medication should be marked "*" on the medical alert sheet. Do not personally
administer medication to a student.

3. Worksheets, tests, A/V materials planned for that day, should be on hand in the classroom or
available in the school resource centre.

Page 10 HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS TEACHING ON CALL 2020/2021 School District 69

 CREATING A POSITIVE CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT

Here are some suggestions for establishing an atmosphere of mutual respect and an efficient
learning situation.

1. Begin the class promptly. Introduce yourself, write your name on the board, and
pronounce it.

2. Assume that students will cooperate with you. Students will respond to your attitude. Be
patient, understanding and firm. Be positive. Expect good behaviour and a high standard of
work.

3. Be fair and consistent. Tell the class briefly what your expectations are and explain your
procedures for dealing with inappropriate behaviour. Take time to follow through. Deal
promptly with obvious discipline problems. Avoid personal power struggles with students.
Model respectful resolution to problems or conflicts.

4. Be professional and ethical. Students learn by example. Be careful in your choice of

words and actions with students both in and out of school. Be a good listener.

5. Use names. Students are usually more responsive when you refer to them by name.

6. Be prepared. If possible, get in early to ensure materials and plans are organized for a
successful day. Develop "a survival kit" of emergency activities that you may use if the
classroom teacher was unable to leave detailed instructions.

7. Leave time. At the secondary school level, classes change after each period. Leave enough
time at the end of the period for the class to gather materials together. At the elementary
level, allow time at the end of the day for children to tidy desks, floor and cloakroom areas,
and to receive any notices to go home.

Many students in School District 69 are bused home. It is very important to allow enough
time for the students to be in their bus line-up as some buses leave immediately after the
dismissal bell.

8. Show a friendly interest in students. Walk around the room while they are working. Use
positive reinforcement.

9. Try to follow the contract teacher's procedures and rules.

10. When all else fails - if you encounter a situation beyond your control, refer the matter to
an administrator immediately. Do not hesitate to seek assistance under difficult

(Qualicum) HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS TEACHING ON CALL 2022/2023 Page 11

 circumstances. It is helpful to document briefly problems encountered and the students
involved.

11. Keep your sense of humour, and use humour as part of your “repertoire of skills” … it can
often reassure a child or defuse a difficult situation.

Page 12 HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS TEACHING ON CALL 2020/2021 School District 69

 PROFESSIONAL ETHICS

Teachers Teaching on Call are expected to maintain the same ethical standards as all other
teachers. The BCTF Code of Ethics articulates those general rules of conduct particular to the
teaching profession in its obligation to provide a high standard of service.

1. The teacher speaks and acts toward pupils with respect and dignity, and deals judiciously with
them, always mindful of their rights and sensibilities.

2. The teacher respects the confidential nature of information concerning pupils and may give it
only to authorized persons or agencies directly concerned with their welfare.

3. The teacher recognizes that a privileged relationship with pupils exists and refrains from
exploiting that relationship for material, ideological, or other advantage.

4. The teacher is willing to review with colleagues, students and their parents/guardians the
quality of service rendered by the teacher and the practices employed in discharging
professional duties.

5. The teacher directs any criticism of the teaching performance and related work of a colleague
to that colleague and only then, after informing the colleague of the intent to do so, may
direct in confidence the criticism to appropriate officials who are in a position to offer advice
and assistance. (See note below).

6. The teacher acknowledges the authority and responsibilities of the Teachers’ Regulation
Branch (TRB) and its local associations and fulfills obligations arising from membership in
his/her professional union.

7. The teacher adheres to the provisions of the local collective agreement.

8. The teacher acts in a manner not prejudicial to job actions or other collective strategies of
his/her professional union.

(Qualicum) HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS TEACHING ON CALL 2022/2023 Page 13

9. The teacher neither applies for nor accepts a position which is included in a federation in-
dispute declaration.

10. The teacher, as an individual or as a member of a group of teachers, does not make
unauthorized representations to outside bodies in the name of the federation or its local
associations.

NOTE: It shall not be considered a breach of Clause 5 of the Code of Ethics to report
reasonable grounds for suspecting child abuse to the proper authorities according to legal
provisions and official protocol requirements.

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION
It should be noted that there is a Teachers Teaching on Call Association affiliated with the Mount
Arrowsmith Teachers' Association. For further information telephone the MATA office at 250-
248-3496.

Page 14 HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS TEACHING ON CALL 2020/2021 School District 69

 SCHOOL DIRECTORY- 2022-2023
School Start & Administrative
School Street address Telephone
Finish Times Officers

Arrowview 650 Bennett Rd. Jennifer Fuhrmann (P)

8:50 am – 2:38 pm 250-752-3875
Elementary Qualicum, BC Gaynor Charnock (VP)
Trish Catherine (P)
135 North Pym Rd. Corleen McKinnon-
Ballenas Secondary 8:40 am – 3:05 pm 250-248-5721
Parksville, BC Sanderson (VP)
Ben Braun (VP)
4830 Faye Rd. Brian Worthen (P)
Bowser Elementary 8:52 am – 2:45 pm 250-757-8487
Bowser, BC Cindy Neufielfd (VP)
Winchelsea Place
CEAP – Elementary 140 Renz Rd 9:00 am – 3:00 pm 250-752-6968 Don Bold (DP)
Parksville, BC
266 Village Way
CEAP- Secondary 8:30 am – 3:00 pm 250-752-5628 Don Bold (DP)
Qualicum Beach, BC

Errington 1390 Fairdowne Rd. Sheila Morrison (P)

8:10 am – 1:58 pm 250-248-8446
Elementary Errington, BC Flo Wong (VP)

Weldon Rd. Corleen McKinnon-

False Bay School 8:40 am – 3:06 pm 250-333-8813
Lasqueti Island, BC Sanderson (VP)

International 502 Bay Ave. Ross Pepper (DP)

8:00 am – 3:30 pm 250-951-0857
Student Program Parksville, BC Rhonda Bell (DP)
Lori Marshall (P)
Kwalikum 266 Village Way
8:32 am – 3:00 pm 250-752-5651 Heather Deering (VP)
Secondary Qualicum Beach, BC
Jen Lunny (VP)
2875 Northwest Bay
Nanoose Bay Kevin McKee (P)
Rd. 8:07 am – 1:58 pm 250-468-7414
Elementary Nanoose, BC
Heather MacLeod (VP)

Oceanside 980 Wright Rd. Lesley Lacouvee (P)

8:48 am – 2:36 pm 250-248-4662
Elementary Parksville, BC Braydon Gordon (VP)

140 Renz Rd.

PASS/ Woodwinds 8:50 am – 2:53 pm 250-248-2969 Autumn Taylor (DP)
Parskville, BC

Qualicum Beach 699 Claymore Rd. John Williams (P)

8:47 am – 2:40 pm 250-752-9212
Elementary Qualicum, BC Mark McInnes (VP)

Springwood 450 Despard Ave. Jesse Witte (P)

8:52 am – 2:45 pm 250-248-2038
Elementary Parksville, BC Sarah Hung (VP)

(Qualicum) HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS TEACHING ON CALL 2022/2023 Page 15