In a previous blog post, we highlighted some of the benefits of supply teaching. If you’ve decided that supply teaching is something you want to move forward with, you may be thinking of ways in which you need to prepare for your new role.
Whether you’re completely new to the education sector, or you’re choosing to move to supply teaching from a different teaching position, here at Red Box Teacher Recruitment, we have compiled a list of top tips to form a beginner’s guide to supply teaching.
Please get in touch today to start the hunt for your first supply teaching position in London. If you have any questions for our team of attentive teaching recruiters, leave us a message using our online contact form.
Qualifications You Need
To work as a supply teacher, you’ll need to have attained your Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
It is often the case that you’ll study this alongside your degree and/or PGCE. Once you meet the Teacher’s Standards set out by the National College of Teaching and Leadership (NCTL), you will be awarded this status.
We source roles for candidates that have achieved their QTS in the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada or USA. If you have qualified outside of these areas, please don’t let that put you off getting in touch as we may be able to help you find a role.
Prepare to be Flexible
To give yourself the best chance of securing a supply teaching position in London, it is best to prepare to be flexible. London is a vast city with many good schools on our contact list.
Our supply teaching agency will always help you find a role that suits your needs, but if your needs are flexible, you’ll have even more opportunities come your way.
In terms of location, the age range you’d like to teach, what type of school you’d like to work in, if your requirements are stricter than others, you’ll automatically rule yourself out of certain positions.
Flexibility will allow you to experience a variety of schools and teach a range of students which is great for your personal development and will help boost your confidence.
Choose a Good Teaching Agency (Such as Red Box)
When you choose an attentive supply teaching agency, such as Red Box, you’ll save yourself time talking to other timewasting consultants that will consistently put you forward for unsuitable roles.
At Red Box, we listen very carefully to your personal requirements and goals, get to know you and your expectations when sourcing your supply teaching role in London.
When you are new to the industry, it is also crucial to choose a teaching agency that has a strong variety of contacts and relevant vacancies. At Red Box, we work with schools right across the capital – during your initial chat with one of our friendly team members, we will get to understand how you want to kickstart your supply teaching and find you a school that you can be happy in.
Keep Organised and Plan Ahead
When it comes to supply teaching it is often the case that you don’t find out where you will be working that day until the morning of that day.
Even if you find out about your day’s work an hour before you’re due to start, make sure you set off with plenty of time. This offers plenty of opportunity for you to find the school and arrive with time to find out where you need to be that day.
If you arrive at the school late, flustered and stressed, you won’t make a great first impression on a school that may have opportunities arise to hire you again in the future.
You should also arrive with all the resources you need – whether you have preprepared lessons plans, or you refer to plans created during university, don’t show up empty-handed!
Be Confident and Make a Great First Impression
Supply teaching can sometimes be challenging. You may find yourself working with disruptive students that a break in normality may cause a few behavioural issues.
However, when it comes to behaviour management, as a new supply teacher, unless you’ve landed a long-term contract, don’t try to change the class’s routine too much. Should you need any guidance, don’t turn to the pupils for help, instead seek some help from a teaching assistant or another teacher to find out more about the routine and rules.
Start Looking for Supply Teaching Jobs in London Today
If you’re ready to find your first supply teaching position in London, get in touch with Red Box Teacher Recruitment today.
To start your search, please call 01932 247000, or use our online contact form to leave your message.
