The AEU welcomes as members all relief teachers who work in State schools. We also have an agreement with the Independent Education Union Tas Branch to cover members of that Union while they are working in the State system. Similarly, the IEU covers AEU members if they undertake relief teaching in an Independent school. 

To become a member of the AEU, simply complete a membership application form and pay your subscription fee of $86.40 for a full year which not only provides you with a full year’s access to all member services, but is also tax deductible. (It can be paid as little as $3.32 per fortnight if you choose direct debit.)

Relief teachers who are members of the AEU receive a fortnightly envelope of information sent to their home address, informing them of matters related to their employment. This includes the very popular and informative AEU newsletter, Reporter.

Upon joining as a relief teacher, you will receive a copy of the AEU members’ Handbook which contains full details of everything you need to know about meeting your responsibilities as a relief teacher and also about ensuring that your employer meets its responsibilities to you, including paying you correctly.

As a member, you are entitled to seek advice from AEU officers about any problems you may encounter in the course of your work. The AEU negotiates with the Department of Education to resolve problems on behalf of AEU relief teacher members.

While working with children can be very rewarding, it also brings with it a high level of personal and professional vulnerability. Teachers run the risk every day of being accused of assault, negligence, child abuse, harassment, discrimination and even sexual misconduct, whether they’ve done the wrong thing or not. AEU relief teacher members who need legal assistance with any matter related to their employment may apply to receive this assistance free of charge as part of the AEU’s service to members.

For your own peace of mind and protection, if you intend to work as a relief teacher, join the Australian Education Union.

Primary Relief Teaching Strategies - kindly provided by Trish McPhee, an experienced relief teacher.

You may find the New Educators Page a useful resource.