Tips on Maximising Supply Teaching Opportunities

top 5 tips for getting making the most of supply teaching work

Many supply teachers are having trouble finding work and some have gone so far as to say that the days of supply teaching are numbered.

I couldn’t disagree more!

 

Finding supply teaching work in the West and East Midlands is getting increasingly difficult, what with the cut in education budgets, the increased amount of surplus teachers available throughout the midlands, an increase in NQTs and the popularity of permanent cover supervisors or HLTAs covering absence internally. However

1.      Schools in the Midlands still need supply teachers, especially for any sickness over 2 days.

2.      There is more advanced bookings such as paternity cover.

3.      Most schools in the Midlands continue to use supply teachers, especially when their Cover Supervisors are off sick!

4.      Schools aren't necessarily using supply teaching agencies less, there are just more supply teachers out there available and a lot more agencies, who seem to spring up every day in the midlands! 

That is the good news because if you are a good teacher with a bit of a spark, who works hard and goes the extra mile you will get as much work as you need.

The competiveness of this industry has not only made supply teaching agencies in the midlands buckle up and improve standards but encouraged supply teachers to improve the service they are providing to schools. Gone are the days of the grumpy supply teacher who puts his or her feet on the table and reads the racing post. 

 

So what can you do to increase your chances as a supply teacher?

 

1.    Be willing to teach an array of different subjects or year groups if you are a primary teacher.

Not only will your consultant think you are a flexible supply teacher but it will mean that you get more supply teaching opportunities local to where you live.

Perhaps think about the areas you are stronger on and brush up on the curriculum.

 

2.    Keep in constant contact with your agency.

The more you keep in touch with your supply teaching agency, the more likely you are to get work.

Don’t be afraid to ring your recruitment consultant every morning, this is what is expected in the supply teaching world!

It helps to build a relationship with your recruitment consultant and other consultants in the office.  Be a friendly voice and face to your supply teaching agency and they will be more likely to give you a ring.

 

3.    Stand out from the crowd

Supply teaching is all about team work with your consultant. They should be providing a good service to the schools and then you are to provide a good service with your teaching.  

I always say to my teachers that there are thousands of supply teachers out there, if you go that extra mile you will get noticed and requested back time and time again e.g. helping out in free periods, supporting lunch and break time duties, keeping your classroom tidy and thank the cover co-ordinator for your day.

 

4.    Use available resources and take these to your assignments.

Learn off the advice of other supply teachers and your recruitment consultant.  Use websites, there are some useful links here to help you stay up-to-date and in-the-know.

You can use these resources to then pad out your lesson plan at school and make it as interactive as possible.

 

5.    Pick a good agency and consultant to represent you

Don’t forget that you are being represented by your consultant. Think about the agency that is trying to find you work, if you were a school would you use your consultant? If the answer is no perhaps think about signing up with another agency! Speak to some schools that you know and find out who they would recommend. The agencies with the best reputation in your area will get you the most work.

 

 

Being a supply teacher these days is not easy but it is possible! If you are keen to keep it up and continue with supply work then give these tips a try. Aspire People regularly run training sessions for supply teachers that are registered with us.

If you have any other tips you would like to share, please leave a comment below

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