You can learn a lot and get a lot of practical experience. Ask the class TA, if there is one, or another teacher if you are not sure what should be happening and when.
Don't make the mistake I did and ask the children to "help you" with the school routine - often children will take that as an invitation to nag you if you do something different from the normal routine. Sometimes children like to push the boundaries with supply teachers thinking that you won't know the "rules" of the classroom. The only time I have ever introduced my own behaviour strategies is when I am on a longer term contract - and even then it was only because the class were quite challenging and I needed to show them who was boss. However, having now worked in year six on several supply contracts I'm not put off as much as I was before and, I hope, am now a better teacher for it.Įvery teacher has their own behaviour management techniques but, I've found, it's important to try and not change things too much during a supply contract. Actually, if I'm honest, year six scared me - too much like teenagers and I know I'm not good with the teenage attitude. For example my placements were in year one and three and, although I'd observed in other year groups, I didn't have much experience of the other years. Supply teaching is also a good way of getting experience. Speaking of year groups - you could tell the agencies which years you're prepared to work in but, again, the more flexible you are the more work you are likely to get. I used the plans from my placements and then modified them for other year groups. It's always a good idea to take work with you, even if the agencies tell you that the work has been left. Sometimes schools will have plans they want you to use, sometimes they don't. Obviously the more flexible you are about when you can be called the more work you can get but if getting to a school in a hurry is not possible then make sure you tell the agencies this. Since September 2011 I think I've only been called once before 7.30am. These calls can be any time from 7.15am onwards but are more likely to be nearer 8am. Either they can book you in advance for a school or you get an early morning call. They either need to be booked the night before (in order to arrange getting to school by public transport) or only work at schools near to where they live.Īgencies work in two ways. I know of some supply teachers who don't drive but this limits the amount of work they can do. You don't need to be able to drive to be a supply teacher but it certainly helps. This agency worked really well for him but I found them to be unhelpful and less than communicative (I'm still waiting for them to return a call after almost seven months!.) A good way to decide which agencies to choose would be to ask the schools which you know, either your placement schools (if you liked working there) or schools near where you live.
For example I registered with one particular agency because a supply teacher at my final placement school recommended them. Personal recommendation can work but this isn't a guaranteed way of finding a good agency. Chose only two or three agencies and stick with them, if you decide you don't like one of them drop them and perhaps choose another. I actually made both of these mistakes and it caused a lot of unnecessary stress and confusion. Also be aware that many agencies advertise for a particular role which might suit your needs but by the time you have registered with the agency that particular vacancy may well have gone. This won't help you find more work and it just becomes a complete nightmare trying to keep them all informed of your availability. My first piece of advice is don't panic and register with lots of agencies.
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