Supply teachers, NQTs and recent graduates hoping to become teachers can find themselves with plenty of spare time over the school summer holidays. However, there are many ways this time can be used to be as productive as possible before the new school year rolls around.
We have complied a list of ideas that supply teachers and graduates can do over the summer months to improve their classroom skills and add to their CV.
- Tutoring- Becoming a tutor can be a great way to improve teaching skills and earn some money at the same time. English, Maths and Science tutors are always high in demand, but tutors can teach across a wide range of disciplines including Music, I.T., Languages, Business, Dance, Sport and Art. Tutors often find their working hours to be very flexible, with options to work full or part time.
- International Citizen Service (ICS)- The ICS is an overseas volunteering programme that last 10-12 weeks. UK volunteers work alongside local volunteers and stay with host families in countries such as Ghana and Bangladesh. Volunteers for ICS may be involved in areas such as education, business, health and the environment. The scheme is available to 18-25 year olds as volunteers, but those between the ages of 23-35 can apply to be a team leader. (Candidates are required to fundraise as part of the application process. To find out more, visit here).
- Teaching English as a foreign language- There are lots of opportunities to teach English as a foreign language. This includes teaching the language to international pupils in UK summer camps, but it is also possible to go abroad and teach in countries such as Vietnam and Thailand. Teaching English as a foreign language is an excellent way of bolstering up your CV, whilst getting to see a new part of the world at the same time! Many courses, jobs and internships can be found here.
- Activity/Summer Camps– Activity and summer camps cover children of all ages. There are a large variety of roles available, from art instructors to trampoline coaches! Many of these roles are paid, so this can be a fantastic way of making some extra money over the summer months, whilst getting more experience with young people at the same time. Summer camps are run across Europe and USA, as well as the UK. Opportunities can be found on websites such as Season Worker and Camp Leaders.
- Voluntary Work- The summer break represents an excellent opportunity to volunteer for causes you feel passionate about, but do not have time to assist with during term time. This could be for organisations such as the The Prince’s Trust or Beanstalk. Not only are you making a positive contribution with your work, it also looks great on your CV!
Regardless of what you’re doing this summer, make sure that your details are up-to-date with PK Education to ensure the best chance of finding you paid classroom work once the new academic year starts in September.
If you would like information on the ways that PK Education can assist you in gaining supply teaching, cover supervisor or classroom assistant roles, please contact your local PK Education office.
