Supply teaching can be an exciting and flexible way to gain experience across a variety of schools and classroom environments. Whether you’re covering a short-term absence or working on a long-term placement, being well-prepared is crucial to your success. This ultimate checklist will guide you through the essentials you need to ensure a smooth and successful supply teaching experience.
Essential Documents and Preparation
Before you start, make sure all your essential documents are ready and up to date. This will ensure you’re able to accept placements quickly and without hassle.
- DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service): You’ll need a valid and up-to-date DBS check to work in any UK school. Make sure your certification is current and that you’re signed up for the update service, which simplifies renewals.
- Right-to-work documentation: Ensure you have documents proving your right to work in the country, such as a passport, birth certificate, or visa.
- Proof of qualifications: Keep copies of your teaching qualifications handy, as schools or agencies may ask to see them.
- References: Having up-to-date references from previous employers or placements will speed up the hiring process and build trust with potential schools.
Research the School
Understanding the school, you’re working in is essential for a smooth supply teaching day. While supply teachers often work at different schools, taking a few minutes to research each one will help you fit in quickly.
- School Policies: Every school has different policies on behaviour, safeguarding, and dress code. Familiarise yourself with these before arriving.
- Classroom Dynamics: If you know the year group or subject you’ll be teaching, it helps to get an idea of the typical classroom dynamics for that age group. Some schools provide a briefing about the class you’re covering, but if not, be prepared to adapt on the fly.
- Timetable: Understand the daily schedule, including start and end times, break times, and any assemblies or extracurricular activities that might affect your day.
Prepare Emergency Lesson Plans
While schools will often provide lesson plans for supply teachers, there will be times when you need to create your own. Always have some emergency lesson plans ready for different key stages.
- Age-appropriate lessons: Have general plans for different year groups in your subject area. These could be review sessions, open discussions, or practical activities.
- Simple and adaptable activities: Make sure your lesson plans are straightforward and can be adapted based on the resources available or the specific needs of the class.
- Engaging content: Keep your lessons fun and interactive. Worksheets, quick quizzes, and group activities that require little preparation or resources are ideal.
Classroom Management Essentials
Effective classroom management is key to maintaining control and ensuring the lesson runs smoothly, especially when you’re new to the class.
- Establish authority early: Introduce yourself confidently, set clear expectations, and establish a routine quickly. This creates a productive classroom environment from the start.
- Use seating plans: If available, follow the class seating plan to avoid disruptions. If there isn’t one, consider letting students sit where they want, but be ready to adjust if necessary.
- Be adaptable: Different schools and classes will have varied expectations. Be flexible in your approach to classroom management, but always maintain firm boundaries.
Behaviour Management Tools
As a supply teacher, managing behaviour is a critical aspect of the job. Implementing effective behaviour management strategies will help you maintain control and create a positive learning atmosphere.
- Positive reinforcement: Use praise and rewards to encourage good behaviour. Recognise and reward students who are working well, which can help minimise disruptions.
- Consistency: Be consistent with any rules you set and follow through with consequences for misbehaviour. Students will test boundaries, so it’s important to remain calm and firm.
- Collaborate with support staff: If there are teaching assistants or other staff members present, use their expertise to help manage the class. They can offer insights into individual student behaviour or school-wide rules.
Conclusion
Supply teaching offers variety and flexibility, but preparation is key to succeeding in this type of role. By having essential documents ready, researching the school, preparing emergency lessons, and mastering classroom and behaviour management, you’ll be equipped to handle any situation that arises. With these tips in mind, you can confidently step into any classroom and make a positive impact.
Supply teachers and support staff play a crucial role in maintaining continuity and support across schools. To access more resources and start your supply teaching journey, register with Class Cover. Class Cover are an established education recruitment agency who specialise in providing outstanding staff to schools and nurseries across the South East.
