As some schools try to cut back on their school budgets, and many newly qualified teachers leave a training course without a permanent teaching job to go to, a number of teachers are turning to supply teaching in Canterbury to gain experience and earn money is steadily rising. But this shouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing; although supply teaching can be hard, it’s just as rewarding as regular teaching, and there’s precious little paperwork to complete.
But when you’re looking for work as a supply teacher in Canterbury, what are the best ways to find an excellent post? And how should you act once you’re there? Be prepared with our nine top supply teaching tips:
Register with a few, local agencies
It can be tempting when looking for supplying teaching work to register with a wide array of employment agencies, but the best method is to have a good relationship with just a few. Also, it’s often wise to stay with local, smaller agencies who will usually have a better relationship with the schools in your area.
Be prepared to travel
If you have a car and can drive, then you’re at an immediate advantage. While it can be possible for non-drivers to use public transport and get to school, driving can get you further and to hard-to-reach places.
Be flexible
When you’re looking to take on supply teaching in Canterbury, then you’ll have more joy if you are more flexible. Be willing to teach all ages and subjects that you don’t specialise in. As well as getting you more jobs, your versatility will make you a better teacher in the long run.
Dress smart and smile
A smart, friendly appearance will make you more engaging and accessible to students while impressing the decision-makers who may want to invite you back tomorrow…
Communicate well
You’ll find that each school has a specific way of doing things, so be sure to talk to teachers and assistants about how best to approach different situations. Be sure to spend as much time as possible in the staff room and the playground to adapt to the atmosphere. Their experience will help you relate to the children at school, while successful networking with staff will endear you to the school for future posts.
Bring your material
Sometimes a school will have a teaching plan that they want you to stick by and sometimes they don’t. Either way, ensure that you have a few lesson plans ready to go so you don’t get caught out.
Don’t shake it up too much
Remember you’re still a new face at school, and that it’s important not to upset the apple cart with too many new ideas for dealing with bad behaviour. We all have our different way of dealing with things, but don’t step too far from the norm, and you won’t make any enemies.
Research referrals
Make sure you know who you can ‘refer’ unruly pupils to should anything untoward occur, as this will give you greater gravitas in the classroom. Plus, the students will also respect that you are aware of the school’s inner workings.
Expect the unexpected
Perhaps the cardinal rule of all teaching, this is especially applicable to supply teaching, where it’s vital to be able to think on your feet and be adaptable to all manner of situations. Responding well to stressful situations is a major factor that schools look for when recruiting staff, and dealing sensibly with sensitive circumstances will put you in good stead for future, permanent posts. Supply teaching in Canterbury can have many benefits for you.