Supply teaching is a bit like dipping into a box of chocolates without that handy card to tell you what you’re choosing.
In this pick ’n’ mix branch of the teaching profession, each day can mean a different school, a new set of pupils, staff and management styles to get to grips with.
This means there’s always going to be sweet moments, the odd hard nut, and a few sticky situations – you just don’t know when and where.
Supply teaching vacancies frequently pop up on s1jobs. Usually it’s local council supply registers looking for qualified staff or supply teaching agencies. Work can be flexible, from day-to-day supply teaching to longer placements covering long-term sickness or maternity leave.
Teaching this way is not for everyone but it does have some major advantages . . . here are just some.
Flexibility
Supply teaching offers the freedom to work when and where you want. Fancy a trip to the coast? Need to stay home for a washing machine delivery? No problem. You can even take your holidays in term time, when you get the double benefit of cheaper prices and fewer kids around the pool.
Variety
Primary or secondary, country or city school, large or small, the choice is yours. You also get to witness different approaches to teaching and management, meet a wide variety of staff, and get to sample all those different staffroom biscuits.
Autonomy
Planning, target-setting, assessments and meetings? Forget it! Supply teachers are removed from much of the daily stuff that adds to teachers’ stress levels. And no parents’ evenings either.
Test drive
Supply teaching offers the opportunity to try before you buy, especially useful if you’re relocating to a new area. Get an insight into different schools and decide which setting or area suits you best. Working in different schools means you can make a more informed choice before settling into a permanent job.
Development
Want to go back to uni? Fancy taking up carpentry or floristry? Supply teaching is a great way to get a good work-life balance. For those new to the profession, it’s a way to dip your toe in before committing to a permanent position.
As with most things, there’s a flip side. The lack of a regular income can be problematic, as can planning ahead without being sure of your workload.
Some supply teachers like the fact they can walk away from a school at the end of the day, others miss being part of a school community.
But, if supply teaching sounds like it’s right for you, check out the latest Education vacancies on s1jobs.