In the ever-evolving landscape of education, supply teaching has emerged as a flexible and fulfilling career path for educators. Supply teachers, also known as substitute teachers in some parts of the world, play an essential role in maintaining the flow of the classroom when regular teachers are unavailable. In this article, I will delve into the world of supply teaching in British schools, shedding light on its advantages, challenges, and strategies for thriving in this dynamic profession. Having taught in state and private schools on both short and long-term placements across London, I’ve had the privilege of working with teachers from various corners of the globe. It’s been a fascinating journey, and I’ve built friendships with educators from places like Australia and Canada, particularly during my time living in Shepherds Bush in inner London, where I felt like part of the Australian community living there.
Supply teaching involves stepping into the classroom temporarily to cover for teachers who are absent due to illness, training, or other reasons. To excel in this role, you need to be adaptable, resilient, and passionate about teaching. Supply teachers can find themselves working with a wide range of age groups and subjects, providing a diverse and enriching experience. Drawing from my experience as a supply teacher for both short-term and long-term roles in London, I can attest that every day is an adventure. Short-term roles often mean you could be teaching any year group, and sometimes your assignment might change midday. The key to success is embracing flexibility because that’s precisely what schools are looking for.
What are the Advantages of Supply Teaching?
Flexibility: Supply teaching epitomizes flexibility. You have the freedom to decide when and where you work, catering to your preferences, whether you opt for brief stints or extended placements.
Diverse Classroom Exposure: Working across different schools and classrooms exposes supply teachers to varied teaching methods, student demographics, and educational settings. This experience can enhance your teaching skills and make you a more adaptable educator. During my time teaching in London, I encountered various schemes of work and worked in private, state, and faith schools, gaining invaluable knowledge.
Minimal Administrative Burden: Unlike full-time teachers, supply teachers aren’t normally burdened with administrative responsibilities. You can focus solely on teaching and supporting students without the added burden of planning, assessments, or meetings. However, this is primarily the case for short-term supply roles, as long-term roles may come with additional responsibilities like meetings, planning, and report writing. When I was in long term roles the responsibilities were as high as a school contract teachers. I worked beyond my school contracted hours.
Work-Life Balance: The flexible nature of daily supply teaching allows for a healthier work-life balance. You can take time off when needed without being tied to a traditional teaching contract. Nevertheless, this doesn’t always hold true for long-term supply roles.
Path to Permanent Roles: Many supply teachers eventually transition into permanent positions because schools often hire from their pool of experienced supply staff. It can be an excellent pathway to secure a long-term teaching career. In my experience, I secured school contracts at two schools where I had been supply teaching, as I was selective and only accepted job offers from schools that felt like the right fit. I had already been long term supply teaching at both of the schools I went onto school contracts. The school had to pay my agency a huge fee, so many schools prefer not to do this. Some long term supply teachers might to secure the role they are already working in on school contract because of the cost their agencies charges the school.
What are the Challenges of Supply Teaching?
Uncertainty: Supply teaching can be unpredictable, as there’s no guarantee of regular work. I’ve had bookings cancelled just as I was about to step through the school gates. Some days, I’d receive a call at the crack of dawn, while other times, it came in as late as 8:30 or 9 am. Registering with multiple supply teaching agencies can provide more opportunities and options. I worked every day I want to in London, even when the booking got cancelled late.
Adaptability: Supply teachers must adapt quickly to new environments, teaching styles, and classroom dynamics. This adaptability can be challenging, especially for educators in the early stages of their careers. Agencies might even try to place you in settings outside your comfort zone, so registering with multiple agencies can give you more control over your assignments.
Limited Benefits: Supply teachers often receive different benefits, such as paid holidays, compared to full-time teachers. You might need to plan for periods of reduced income during school holidays. While it might seem like you’re earning more per day, factoring in things like pension and holidays might paint a different financial picture.
Tips for Success in Supply Teaching
Build a Strong Network: Joining a supply teaching agency can connect you with schools and educators. Building strong relationships with school staff can increase your chances of securing regular work. Often, the office staff make the bookings, so a good rapport can work in your favor.
Stay Organised: Keep track of your assignments and carry emergency lesson plans and resources just in case. Being well-organised will help you shine in different classroom environments. I used to subscribe to Twinkl for ready-made resources and lesson plans when none were provided. I also carried a folder of resources. I had different folders for different year groups resources in my bag.
Continued Professional Development: Invest in your professional growth by attending relevant training sessions and courses. This not only enhances your teaching skills but also makes you more appealing to schools. I attended all the free agency training courses offered.
Flexibility and Adaptability: Embrace change and be open to different teaching styles and school cultures. Your ability to adapt will be a valuable asset in supply teaching.
Throughout my supply teaching tenure, I mostly received respectful treatment, and schools often valued my experience. However, there were moments when I felt taken advantage of, such as not having a lunch break or encountering occasional rudeness. Nevertheless, don’t let these incidents deter you; remember, it’s a temporary assignment, and you can always choose not to return to that school.
Supply teaching offers a unique and rewarding opportunity for educators in the United Kingdom. In some areas, like Cumberland and Devon, work opportunities may be limited. I had to travel from my hometown of Cumberland to London to find consistent work, as many schools in less populated areas have their own list of supply teachers. In contrast, London almost always has a demand for supply teachers.
The flexibility, diverse classroom experiences, and potential for long-term career opportunities make supply teaching an attractive option for those who value adaptability and enjoy working with students in different settings. Despite its challenges, supply teaching can be a fulfilling and successful career choice for educators in British schools, provided you approach it with the right mindset and preparation.
However, I believe that being directly recruited by a school is a preferable option. Recruitment agencies often take a substantial cut of teachers’ pay. I wonder if establishing county-wide or central government supply recruitment agencies could save schools significant amounts of money, ensure fairer pay for teachers, and lead to better-suited placements. I am primary trained, but agencies would sometimes ask if I would teach secondary. I found agencies could push me towards bookings I didn’t want. However, I had different agencies, so I could normally get my preferred age range to teach.
If you’re seeking a school contract job in the UK, platforms like Eteach, council websites, and TES are excellent starting points. When it comes to supply agencies, there are numerous options to choose from. While I can’t personally recommend a specific agency, registering with multiple agencies can provide you with more choices and opportunities. If you’re an international teacher, consider agencies that offer support with paperwork and visas. Some agencies also provide social events which connect you with other likeminded teachers. Making new friends will always help settle you into London life. The key is to keep your options open by registering with more than a couple of agencies.
