Succeeding as a Relief Teacher

In an international school environment,  relief teachers—those who fill in when regular teachers are absent—play a crucial role. You're not just “filling a gap,” but ensuring that students’ learning continues smoothly and effectively. But with limited preparation time, how can you step into a class confidently, connect with students, and deliver a meaningful lesson?

I. What is a Relief Teacher?

When an international teacher is on leave or unexpectedly absent, you, as a relief teacher, are assigned to cover their class. Often, you'll have very little time to prepare—sometimes just a few hours’ notice. If you're lucky, you may be informed a day in advance or earlier. In that case, you'll typically receive:

-A PowerPoint slide deck

-Worksheets and accompanying materials

-Guidance from the regular teacher: learning objectives, textbook pages to cover, key activities, etc.

These resources are valuable in helping you avoid walking into the classroom knowing nothing. 

II. How to Teach Effectively with Limited Prep Time

It’s easy to feel reactive and unprepared when you’re asked to cover a class at short notice. But with a few smart strategies, you can take control and deliver a strong, engaging lesson:

2.1. Clarify the Lesson Objectives

Read through the teacher’s notes carefully and determine the core focus of the lesson. Don’t just “get through it”—understand what the students are expected to achieve.

2.2. Quickly Assess the Class Environment

Before teaching, ask the class teacher/ subject teacher or teaching assistant (TA) if any about key student behaviors, class dynamics, or any special considerations. This helps you stay in control and address issues proactively.

2.3. Contact the Line Manager if Resources Are Missing

If you haven’t received the teaching materials in time, inform your supervisor promptly so they can assist you.

2.4. Leverage Online Platforms for Quick Activities

When time is tight, you can quickly find pre-made quizzes or comprehension questions related to your lesson on platforms like Quizizz or Blooket—especially engaging for primary students. These tools offer a fun, game-based approach that helps maintain student interest while reinforcing learning objectives. 

Note: quickly check the contents of those quizzes and comprehension questions to make sure they are appropriate. 

Final Thoughts

Being a relief teacher is a great opportunity to sharpen your teaching skills, work with different classes, and showcase your flexibility and professionalism. With thoughtful preparation, creative adjustments, and a proactive mindset, you can go beyond just “filling in”—you can make a real impact.