Top 10 things to remember on a supply teaching assignment
In addition to coping with the challenges faced by staff in a permanent role, supply teachers must be ready to adapt to a new class, school or working environment on a daily basis. Here, Michael Page has listed ten ways to get the most from your supply teaching experience and improve your chances of being rebooked or considered for a permanent role:
1. Arrive early, go to the administration office, introduce yourself and inquire about teachers' notes
2. Before the first lesson, ask if there are any children you should know about - children with learning difficulties, for example
3. Familiarise yourself with the Behaviour Management Policy. Your actions must be consistent with the school's approach
4. At the beginning of a lesson establish your expectations quickly and clearly. Children may treat the arrival of a supply teacher as a one day holiday
5. If no work has been left, base your lesson on the national curriculum and make it appropriate to the level you are teaching
6. Try to incorporate stories from your background into the lesson to create rapport
7. Move around the room, be confident, show interest in the student's work and make positive comments where appropriate
8. When it's break time check to see if you are on playground duty. If not go to the staffroom and introduce yourself
9. At the end of the day find the head of department, provide feedback and say how much you enjoyed it. Supply teachers that impress can move on to contract and permanent positions
10. If you are asked back the following day prepare the lesson the night before.
For more information on how Michael Page Education can help you, click here. Alternatively read more about Supply Teaching jobs.
