How Supply Teaching Helped One ECT Secure Their First Role

Not every Early Career Teacher secures a role straight away, and that’s okay.

For many, this stage can feel uncertain. Applications don’t always lead to offers, confidence can dip, and it’s easy to start questioning what comes next.

We recently worked with an ECT who had applied for roles without success before going on to secure a position to start in the summer term.

Rather than waiting, he chose to take on supply work, using it as a way to keep building experience, confidence, and momentum at a point where it was needed most.

What made the difference wasn’t anything overly complex; it was the way he approached the interview process.

“It really is the small things that make the greatest impact.”

During a school visit, he took the time to speak with a pupil at reception by asking about a badge they were wearing and starting a natural conversation. At another point, he joined a child playing with kinetic sand, creating a relaxed interaction early in the day.

These weren’t planned strategies, just genuine moments of connection.

When it came to teaching, he kept things simple.
For his interview lesson, he was asked to plan a 30-minute art session linked to WW2.

Instead of overcomplicating things, he focused on poster design, choosing an approach that worked with simple materials like colouring pencils rather than paints. This allowed the lesson to run smoothly and kept pupils engaged without any unnecessary distractions.

He also used a personal story to introduce the lesson, sharing a photo of his grandfather who had served in the war. It gave the session a natural starting point and helped capture the children’s attention from the very beginning.

It was also the small details around the lesson that stood out.

While waiting for pupils, he used the time to interact with the class teacher.
During the lesson, he modelled expectations clearly and recognised pupils’ ideas, even awarding house points when a child contributed something thoughtful.

He also shared his lesson plan and resources with the school in advance, demonstrating organisation and preparation before the day had begun. 

One of the more difficult questions came later.

He was asked why he hadn’t secured a role sooner.

Rather than focusing on the applications that hadn’t worked out, he spoke honestly about his circumstances. Supply work had given him the flexibility to support his wife through an ectopic pregnancy and recovery, and later during a second pregnancy.

For the school, this didn’t come across negatively. It showed care, perspective, and the kind of personal qualities that matter most in a classroom.

He has now secured a role to start in the summer term.

A positive outcome, and a reminder that there isn’t only one fixed pathway into teaching.

For many ECTs, supply is more than just a stopgap.

It provides real classroom experience, exposure to different school environments, and an opportunity to build confidence over time.

And as this example shows, it’s often the smaller, more thoughtful actions that leave a lasting impression.

If you’re an Early Career Teacher considering your next steps…
Supply can be a valuable way to continue building experience while finding the right role.

It offers the flexibility to keep moving forward, the chance to experience different school environments, and the opportunity to grow in confidence over time.

And as this example shows, continuing to gain experience in the classroom can make all the difference over time, with small steps often leading to bigger opportunities.

If you’re considering supply work and want to find out more, we’d love to hear from you.

Thank you, Michael, for sharing your journey and experience with us.