Our Advice for Your First Day of Supply Teaching

Whether you’re thinking about transitioning to supply teaching, or already have, it comes with great benefits from achieving a better work/life balance to increasing your earnings. Using experience from some of our own Supply Teachers, we’ve put together some advice for transitioning to Supply Teaching.

Have you registered with an agency?

Being a supply teacher requires you to have an agent who has relationships with schools in order for you to get assignments. But you shouldn’t just go with the first agency you find. This agency will be your partner, and therefore should be the right fit for you. We advise doing your research online, and asking colleagues to ensure you’re making the right decision with your agency.

Some supply teachers choose to register with multiple agencies, but many of our teachers have found this counterproductive having to update a number of agencies weekly, and choose instead to work with one agency exclusively.

First Supply Teaching Assignment

After registering with your agency, and completing your vetting checks, you should start receiving calls for work. The more flexible you’re able to be with locations, subjects, and age groups will determine the number of assignments you’ll get, so don’t be afraid to try teaching something new or different age groups. Not only will it significantly boost your CV experience, it’ll also help with your growth and long-term career.

  • Plan Your Journey – With supply teaching it’s likely that you’ve never visited the school before, so we recommend planning to arrive earlier than expected, and scheduling your route beforehand.
  • Have your ID – Working with children means that it’s crucial for the school to do their due diligence. Although the agency will send across your vetting, it’s important that you have the original DBS and ID with you so the school can verify your identity.
  • Dress Smart & Comfortable – On your first day, it’s crucial that you dress smart and professional, but also suitable for the class you’re teaching. For example, with younger pupils it’s likely you’ll move around more, so being comfortable is just as important.
  • Pack Your Supply Kit – Some of our supply teachers have a pre-prepared Supply Teaching Bag they take for all their assignments. This could include stationery, sticky labels for names, and whiteboard markers. It pays to be prepared!
  • First Impressions – It’s important to make a good first impression on both your colleagues and pupils, as it could determine whether they would like to book you again, so be personable and friendly.

All of these tips will help you make a good first impression with the school, colleagues, and pupils, helping you to build your long-term teaching portfolio.

We wish you the best of luck with your supply teac