In the six months since director Lu Ahmet-Nicdao started 21st Century Teachers, a casual relief teacher agency, she has seen it successfully fill a gap in the education sector by providing the services of high-calibre, qualified casual teaching staff to schools and kindergartens in Melbourne’s north-west and farther afield.
Lu heads a team of consultants with lengthy experience in the education field.
“Our senior consultants include Cindy and Yasar, who are in the office or out on the road meeting with schools to discuss staffing needs,” Lu says.
“Our consultancy team is made up of former principals, leading teachers and classroom teachers who bring a depth of knowledge to our agency.”
The agency provides the services of relief staff to government and private primary and secondary schools, as well as kindergartens.
“We believe strongly that our teachers need to be well looked after,” Lu says. “We ensure they receive the highest possible pay based on the state award system and don’t require them to sign up with us exclusively.
“We’re about building trust and creating honest, positive relationships with our teachers. We see this as growing our business in a journey together with them.
“As well, we provide the services of integration aides and administrative support staff.
“And throughout the year we support our teachers in other ways, such as offering professional learning seminars with well-known guest speakers drawn from the education sector.”
Speakers include the likes of Andrew Fuller, Michael Ymer, Rob Vingerhoets, Joel Roache and Michael Licenblat.
“We build a positive network,” Lu says. “We also want to give back to our schools and plan to show our thanks by offering guaranteed $2000 to $5000 sponsorships – with some terms and conditions.
“Passion, commitment, honesty, trustworthiness, respect and dedication to the role are the hallmarks of our service, as well as creating a comfortable, family-friendly approach.
“We want to make positive change to the education recruitment industry.”
Teachers get paid $348 for a full day, plus super, and integration aides and admin support staff get paid hourly in their range status. One per cent commission is payable by teachers for services provided.
21st Century Teachers Pty Ltd, 222 Ferris Road, Melton South. Opens 6am-9pm weekdays and Sundays. Inquiries: 8745 0994 or email info@21stcenturyteachers.com.au
