David - ESP Teacher |
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I have been teaching for about 24 years and have been doing supply for just over 2 years.
After graduating with a BSc (hons) in Geography, I spent my early working years doing a range of jobs in the building and retail trades and finance. By my later 20s I needed a change so decided to train as a primary school teacher. I enrolled on a PGCE course at Rolle College in Exmouth, then part of the University of Plymouth, specialising in the 7-12 age range. I have since worked in a number of schools in Devon covering all KS2 classes and later on KS1. I also have undertaken many co-ordinator roles including a long stint as PE co-ordinator and part of a large School Sport Partnership. I have also completed my NPQH and spent many years as part of a SLT.
Why did you choose to become a supply teacher?
After many years of working in schools and adapting to constant change I felt I needed a change. I initially planned to take a complete break from education but very soon realised I missed the actually teaching aspects of the job. A colleague suggested I tried supply. For me this ticked all the boxes as it would allow me to get into and experience many different schools and enable me to ‘teach’ without all the distractions.
Experience of supply teaching – has it been what you expected or different? How did you find facing new schools and experiences?
Despite only initially planning to do supply teaching for a year I am now in my third year and loving it. I first found it a bigger change than I was expecting but soon was able to adapt and use the experiences I had to good effect. In particular I have enjoyed being in such a wide variety of different schools and year groups. Every day is different. The daily ‘unknown’ was a bit scary at first but I now accept this and enjoy the challenges and having to think on your feet.
Why did you choose to work with Exeter Supply Partnership?
I looked at a number of different agencies before I decided to go with ESP. ESP seemed to stand out in so many areas. In particular their understanding of how schools and teachers work was important and what they offered suited me perfectly. My initial feelings proved correct. ESP are very professional. Their systems are clear and work well and they are all very friendly and helpful should you have any queries.
As a supply teacher what are your go to back up resources if there is no planning available?
There have been very few occasions that I have had to draw on my own resources for any length of time. However, I always carry familiar story books with me that can be used for numerous activities. A few making activities that require only basic resources are also useful. A copy of the ‘current’ national curriculum is also useful to carry. A collection of simple activity sheets are also handy. I use to carry a mass of activities with me on a memory stick but most schools now don’t like you using these.
What 3 benefits do you think there are to supply teaching/ working with ESP?
ESP are very professional, friendly and adaptable to your personal circumstances and needs.
What tips/ advice would you give to someone thinking about supply teaching or just starting out?
After graduating with a BSc (hons) in Geography, I spent my early working years doing a range of jobs in the building and retail trades and finance. By my later 20s I needed a change so decided to train as a primary school teacher. I enrolled on a PGCE course at Rolle College in Exmouth, then part of the University of Plymouth, specialising in the 7-12 age range. I have since worked in a number of schools in Devon covering all KS2 classes and later on KS1. I also have undertaken many co-ordinator roles including a long stint as PE co-ordinator and part of a large School Sport Partnership. I have also completed my NPQH and spent many years as part of a SLT.
Why did you choose to become a supply teacher?
After many years of working in schools and adapting to constant change I felt I needed a change. I initially planned to take a complete break from education but very soon realised I missed the actually teaching aspects of the job. A colleague suggested I tried supply. For me this ticked all the boxes as it would allow me to get into and experience many different schools and enable me to ‘teach’ without all the distractions.
Experience of supply teaching – has it been what you expected or different? How did you find facing new schools and experiences?
Despite only initially planning to do supply teaching for a year I am now in my third year and loving it. I first found it a bigger change than I was expecting but soon was able to adapt and use the experiences I had to good effect. In particular I have enjoyed being in such a wide variety of different schools and year groups. Every day is different. The daily ‘unknown’ was a bit scary at first but I now accept this and enjoy the challenges and having to think on your feet.
Why did you choose to work with Exeter Supply Partnership?
I looked at a number of different agencies before I decided to go with ESP. ESP seemed to stand out in so many areas. In particular their understanding of how schools and teachers work was important and what they offered suited me perfectly. My initial feelings proved correct. ESP are very professional. Their systems are clear and work well and they are all very friendly and helpful should you have any queries.
As a supply teacher what are your go to back up resources if there is no planning available?
There have been very few occasions that I have had to draw on my own resources for any length of time. However, I always carry familiar story books with me that can be used for numerous activities. A few making activities that require only basic resources are also useful. A copy of the ‘current’ national curriculum is also useful to carry. A collection of simple activity sheets are also handy. I use to carry a mass of activities with me on a memory stick but most schools now don’t like you using these.
What 3 benefits do you think there are to supply teaching/ working with ESP?
- You can enjoy teaching without all the other time pressures experienced by full time teachers.
- You can be in more control of your work/life balance.
- You get to visit some amazing schools and meet some amazing children.
ESP are very professional, friendly and adaptable to your personal circumstances and needs.
What tips/ advice would you give to someone thinking about supply teaching or just starting out?
- Get to know the individual children, especially the ‘characters’ as soon as you can.
- Never rely on computers or the IWB! Always have a back-up or filling-in activity on standby.
- Always be as professional as you can, but accept that the unknown can be challenging.
- Don’t be too hard on yourself if something goes wrong or is not as good as you would have liked.
- Have fun with the children and enjoy the experience.
