It really is a nice feeling when your consultant calls you after a day’s work to say ‘the school you taught at today thought you did an amazing job and would love to have you back!’ This means you get to build relationships with the children and staff, know your commute to the school and this could ultimately lead to consistent days or even a position.

The biggest tip I could give as a supply teacher is to give it your all everyday. The days where I was feeling sick, tired or generally not in a good mood were the days that were the hardest.

When you go out to a school as a supply teacher it is almost guaranteed that the school will be asking around to see how you went. Schools are always on the hunt for gun teachers, whether that is on a supply basis or to potentially lead into a long term position.

How to make yourself stand out:

  • Introduce yourself to the receptionist staff and senior leadership team
  • Find out what the behaviour management policy is
  • Find out what the safeguarding policy is
  • Ask for the names of the SLT (senior Leadership team)
  • Be flexible and accommodating
  • Ask what the expectation is for marking and follow this
  • Leave the room/rooms that you teach in clean and tidy
  • Leave a thorough note for the teacher with an honest overview of the day – be sure to point out the positives of the day as well as negatives (if there are any)
  • Arrive in the morning with time to prepare for your day
  • Leave once you are sure that you have done everything required of you
  • Don’t use your phone at any point while you are teaching – this is very frowned upon in the UK
  • If you have had a great day, let the school and your consultant know
  • Encourage quality work from the children you are teaching, this is a reflection on you as a teacher
  • If the day isn’t running as smoothly as you’d liked, don’t be afraid to ask for help from the SLT or another member of staff
  • Be on top of your behaviour management
  • Have a can do attitude
  • Be positive and friendly

As a teacher, there is no better feeling at the end of the day than knowing you’ve achieved something. Whether that be a calm learning environment, delivering an excellent lesson or positive feedback from the school or agency.