Supply teaching presents unique challenges and opportunities. To excel in your role and make a lasting impact, consider implementing these essential tips specifically tailored for supply teachers.
Be prepared: Familiarise yourself with the school’s policies, routines, and curriculum before each assignment by speaking to your Account Manager about the role. Arrive early to familiarise yourself with the classroom, find out who the key people are (Such as DSL) and any resources you may need.
Build rapport: Establish positive relationships with students by showing interest, respect, and understanding. Engage in conversations, try to learn some names, and create a safe and inclusive learning environment.
Adapt quickly: Be flexible and adapt to different teaching styles, school cultures, and student needs. Assess the class dynamics and adjust your teaching approach accordingly to effectively engage and support students.
Have a backup plan: Be prepared for unexpected situations. Carry a supply of engaging activities, worksheets, or educational games to use when needed, these can be printed or on a flash drive that you can load and print out quickly. This ensures continuity of learning even in unforeseen circumstances.
Utilise behaviour management strategies: Maintain a calm and assertive presence in the classroom. Implement clear and consistent behaviour management strategies that align with the school’s policies to establish a positive learning environment. If this is something that you feel you need to brush up on, you can keep an eye out for our twilight training on subjects such as Behaviour Management, and De-escalation training.
Communicate with staff: Collaborate with school staff, including teaching assistants and administrative personnel. Seek their support and guidance when needed, and keep them informed about any concerns or issues that may arise. Getting the teaching assistant and admin staff on board quickly can pay dividends!
Embrace differentiation: Cater to the diverse needs of students by differentiating your lessons. Adapt your teaching methods, resources, and assessments to accommodate varying abilities, learning styles, and individual needs. By checking in with the teaching assistant in the step above, you can often find out any additional requirements and utilise them to help deliver the differentiated plans or engage the class whilst you do.
Be resourceful: Make use of available resources within the classroom and the school. Familiarise yourself with teaching aids, technology, and educational materials to enhance your lessons and engage students effectively.
Reflect and learn: Continuously reflect on your teaching practice and seek opportunities for professional growth. Attend relevant training sessions, workshops, or webinars to stay updated with current educational practices and methodologies.
Seek feedback: Request feedback from the school through your account manager, and also your peers in the school. This allows you to assess your strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring continuous growth as a supply teacher. Remember, if an assignment hasn’t gone how you expected, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the school isn’t for you. Often a different class, or even a different day can help you gain a different perspective, and have a completely different experience in that school.
By implementing these tips, you can enhance your effectiveness as a supply teacher and create a positive and productive learning environment for students. Remember that each assignment presents a new opportunity to make a difference and contribute to your own personal development.