Transitioning from permanent teaching into temporary or supply? Fear not, we’ve got your back! From registration to classroom here’s our supply teacher tips.
Registration Tips
Our goal is to register you quickly so we can start finding you work straight away!
- First thing’s first, upload your CV, and you’ll hear back from your local PK Team pronto!
- We’ll need a few documents during the registration process from this point; make sure you dig out; proof of address; right to work; National Insurance number and ID documentation such as a valid passport.
- To keep things moving, now is a great time to get in touch with your references ahead of us. If they know what to expect the process will be smoother!
- We will meet you on a video call or in our office to get to know you in person and finalise your application and start connecting you with schools!
Getting ready to work
All registered and now you’re waiting for the call!
- You’ll be introduced to our online portal where you can upload your availability for the week or term ahead. Super handy! Otherwise, you can email your consultant weekly with days you’d like to work. Either way, keeping us in the loop about your availability is key.
- As soon as you know which school[s] you’ll be working in get online and nosey at their website, socials and Ofsted report. Knowing about the school community and it’s leadership before working there will set you in good stead.
- Make getting up early part of your routine and keep your phone close; if we can’t get hold of you, we can’t get you the job!
- Prepare some ideas for fun time fillers, ice-breakers and a go to activity you can use to fill gaps in the day will help kids engaged.
Working as a Supply Teacher Tips
So, you’ve landed your first role, now what?
- Dress to impress! Always go with professional attire; no jeans, trainers, hoodies, etc.
- Make sure your bag is packed. Take your DBS and photo ID to school with you along with your favourite emergency stationary supplies; just in case!
- Be proactive! Don’t sit back, use your initiative and get as involved as you can do during the day.
Go the extra mile, offering your help with midday duties, after school activities and saying goodbye with a smile will make sure you leave a good impression which will help lead to future bookings. - You should introduce yourself to other staff; receptionists, caretakers and other teachers to enable you to feel confident asking for clarification on what is needed or expected of you.
- Leave some feedback with the school, by letting the contact know you’ve had a good day they’ll be more inclined to invite you back.
- Get back in touch with us at the end of the day and feedback what you thought of the school, this way we get to know which schools suit you best.
Classroom Supply Teacher Survival Tips
- Ask if there’s a seating plan when you arrive in school or can pupils sit where they like? Sticking to these plans can help to keep behaviour under control in class.
- Remember to ask someone in the school who knows the class about the pupils. Knowing their needs in advance will let you adjust your plans and deploy teaching assistants effectively.
- At the end of the day. Leaving handover notes for regular staff makes their return to class smoother and they’ll thank you for it too!
At PK we are in the business of inspiring potential, so we want all our supply teachers to live and breathe this, joining us on a mission to inspire potential in every child. We get to know all our teachers and want to support you along the journey, so your consultant will keep in touch with you to check in.
What are you waiting for? Register now.
