This post examines those burning questions that you may have in and around the world of supply teaching. We hope this covers everything, but let us know if you have other questions you’d like answers to.
What skills do you need to be a supply teacher?
As a supply teacher you will need to be engaging in manner, resilient in nature and flexible/adaptable in your approach. Thinking on your feet is extremely important to deal with what may come your way. We at Teachers Today will help you to refine these skills.
Is supply teaching hard?
It can be difficult at times but also very rewarding. Difficult in the sense that you may be going to different schools with varying protocols. However once you have been in a few times and understand the systems and types of students its great! Also, with day-to-day supply there’s no paperwork, department meetings, lesson planning or marking so you get to focus on the teaching.
What does supply teaching teach you?
It improves a number of your core skills as a teacher. You develop your communication skills and improve how you talk to both students and colleagues. You learn new classroom management techniques and how to build positive relationships quickly. You develop your subject knowledge, and gain a wider understanding of the curriculum.
What do supply teachers need to know?
Logistics such as, the type of school and subject/s that will be covered. How to get to the school and arrival time. Who do you need to report to and what identification do you need to take with you. What is the dress code for the school (schools can be different)
Do supply teachers have to plan lessons?
For day-to-day supply the simple answer is no, lessons are planned for you. However its always good to have a few things up your sleeve. For long-term roles you would be expected to plan lessons
Do supply teachers get paid more?
For long-term roles good agencies should ensure you are paid to scale for planning and teaching, which is something we focus on at Teachers Today. Day-today supply teachers have less responsibility than long-term or employed teachers and only work the hours they are paid for. Therefore the pay rate is adjusted accordingly.
What is supply teaching like?
Day-to-day supply teachers usually find the day goes quickly. Being in a new school, teaching different subjects and not knowing what you are covering can be good fun. On occasions there are challenges, as with any job, but the opportunity to focus on teaching is something that you don’t often get in a permanent role.
Are supply teachers entitled to holiday pay?
For long-term supply roles your daily rate includes holiday pay (based on term-time only). For obvious reasons, day-to-day supply roles do not get holiday pay.
Do supply teachers do marking?
Teachers in day-to-day supply roles are not be expected to mark. Teachers in long-term supply roles will be expected to mark and provide feedback.
Are supply teachers self employed?
No, they are now PAYE through the agency. All our supply teachers at Teachers Today are paid on a weekly basis.
Can you make a career out of supply teaching?
Yes, if you have another job or other commitments you can make supply teaching work around you. If you fit well with a school they often use you regularly. Many of our supply teachers have been taken on permanently by schools after a period of time supply teaching.
Do supply teachers pay tax?
Yes, as you are paid PAYE through the agency, you will pay tax in the same way as any employee. At Teachers Today we also give you the opportunity to pay into a pension if you wish.
Can supply teachers claim mileage
No, as you are paid PAYE through the agency and are not self employed this is not an option.
How much do you get paid for supply teaching?
The rate depends on whether you are working day-to-day or long-term. At Teachers Today we have excellent relationships with all out schools meaning we can secure better rates than most of the other agencies here in Sussex. For long-term roles we aim to secure payment-to-scale. Your location can also be a factor. London will have higher rates than the rest of the country.
Is supply teaching worth it?
Absolutely yes! You can make the job work around you. In day-to-day roles you can dictate the days you want to work and leave without all the paperwork hanging over you! You can build relationships with lots of local schools. You can focus more on teaching rather than admin and meetings. You gain experience to further your career. At Teachers Today we are always here to support you on your journey.
What happens when you go into schools?
On day-to-day supply, the agency should inform you of what time you need to be at the school, directions on how to get there and who to report to when you attend. They should also inform you of the dress code and what ID you need to take with you. Good agencies should give you some background of the type of school you have been assigned to. At Teachers Today we provide you with all of this and are a phone call away if you need any support when issues arrive.
How regular is supply teaching work?
Currently extremely busy, due to high teacher absence and Covid-19. For day-to-day, there can be quieter pinch points throughout the year, for example when schools return after termly breaks (although many of our supply teachers say they enjoy the extended holiday time!) Long-term roles filter through all of the time, certainly around Christmas and during the summer period. We have been so busy this year!!
Is supply teaching a good option?
For a lot of teachers, yes! It allows you to gain experience of and build relationships with local schools. You can build relationships with lots of local schools. It often means you can focus more on teaching rather than admin and meetings.
Do supply teachers need PGCE?
It depends! Full teaching roles, and roles for specific subjects will require a PGCE. However, if you are looking to gain experience as a cover supervisor, you don’t need a PGCE. At Teachers Today we have supply roles available both in full teaching and cover supervising.
Can I be a supply teacher without QTS?
Yes you can. For day-to-day supply teaching roles you won’t always need QTS. However, if you are interested in long-term supply roles, the school may allow you to complete your QTS qualification with them. Get in touch and we can advise you how to proceed.
If there are any other questions you need answering let us know. To find out more or if you are looking to further your career within supply teaching in Sussex, request a callback with Neil below.
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