Helen - ESP Teacher |
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I have been teaching for 10 years now and following our family relocation I have been a supply teacher with ESP for the past 18months (2021).
I taught for 9 years in Wiltshire and Swindon schools as both a Full and Part-Time teacher. I have worked in both Primary and Infant schools and have taught across all of KS1 and Early Years. I have also held responsibilities for a range of Foundation Subjects throughout my years.
Why did you choose to become a supply teacher?
Following our relocation to Exeter, It made sense to become a supply teacher and have the flexibility of working when I chose to; as both my children were getting settled into their new nursery setting. I also knew my daughter would be starting school in the year that followed and I wanted to ensure I was able to make the most of balancing work and life. Children grow up so fast, and the teaching profession can be so all consuming at times. I wanted to ensure that I was going to be available more during the evenings and weekends to enjoy family time rather than worrying about marking, planning or assessments that I hadn’t been able to complete at school.
Experience of supply teaching – has it been what you expected or different? How did you find facing new schools and experiences?
Supply Teaching on the whole has been a great experience, you get to meet a vast array of people and children and I am constantly picking up new or interesting practice from different settings. All the schools I’ve worked in have been welcoming and supportive even if you have been called at very short notice. Initially I found it daunting not knowing a school or what the day would entail, but I have always found that if you aren’t sure of something people are always very keen to help and quickly fill you in.
Why did you choose to work with Exeter Supply Partnership?
I’d spoken to a school when looking for a Reception place for my daughter and they told me they used Exeter Supply Partnership, so I did a bit of research and contacted the team. It was the best move I've made in a long time. The ESP team are fantastic, they are organised and efficient and above all else they care about you as an individual.
As a supply teacher what are your go to back up resources if there is no planning available?
I always have a range of 5 minute games to hand. I find being KS1 and EY predominantly, being able to play a quick game or sing a counting song, can often be a godsend if things haven’t quite taken as long as planned or the children need a quick learning break. Twinkl and phonics play are always useful if planning is a little sparse.
I also always carry a range of highlighters and coloured pens so I'm able to mark quickly and efficiently inline with the school Marking Policy.
What 3 benefits do you think there are to supply teaching/ working with ESP?
• Balance and Flexibility are fundamental for me,
• An amazing staff team,
• Support, although you are effectively on your own, I always feel supported and prepared by ESP. Even during the craziness of a Pandemic ESP have been honest and supportive throughout. I couldn’t have asked for anymore.
What tips/ advice would you give to someone thinking about supply teaching or just starting out?
If you’re considering Supply teaching with ESP give it a go. I was only planning on doing supply as a short-term solution whilst I got to know the schools and the area. Whilst it has been great for that, and learning which schools I would love to work more in, I currently have no reason to move away from Supply Teaching as it offers me exactly what I need in a teaching job, without jeopardising my work/life balance.
I taught for 9 years in Wiltshire and Swindon schools as both a Full and Part-Time teacher. I have worked in both Primary and Infant schools and have taught across all of KS1 and Early Years. I have also held responsibilities for a range of Foundation Subjects throughout my years.
Why did you choose to become a supply teacher?
Following our relocation to Exeter, It made sense to become a supply teacher and have the flexibility of working when I chose to; as both my children were getting settled into their new nursery setting. I also knew my daughter would be starting school in the year that followed and I wanted to ensure I was able to make the most of balancing work and life. Children grow up so fast, and the teaching profession can be so all consuming at times. I wanted to ensure that I was going to be available more during the evenings and weekends to enjoy family time rather than worrying about marking, planning or assessments that I hadn’t been able to complete at school.
Experience of supply teaching – has it been what you expected or different? How did you find facing new schools and experiences?
Supply Teaching on the whole has been a great experience, you get to meet a vast array of people and children and I am constantly picking up new or interesting practice from different settings. All the schools I’ve worked in have been welcoming and supportive even if you have been called at very short notice. Initially I found it daunting not knowing a school or what the day would entail, but I have always found that if you aren’t sure of something people are always very keen to help and quickly fill you in.
Why did you choose to work with Exeter Supply Partnership?
I’d spoken to a school when looking for a Reception place for my daughter and they told me they used Exeter Supply Partnership, so I did a bit of research and contacted the team. It was the best move I've made in a long time. The ESP team are fantastic, they are organised and efficient and above all else they care about you as an individual.
As a supply teacher what are your go to back up resources if there is no planning available?
I always have a range of 5 minute games to hand. I find being KS1 and EY predominantly, being able to play a quick game or sing a counting song, can often be a godsend if things haven’t quite taken as long as planned or the children need a quick learning break. Twinkl and phonics play are always useful if planning is a little sparse.
I also always carry a range of highlighters and coloured pens so I'm able to mark quickly and efficiently inline with the school Marking Policy.
What 3 benefits do you think there are to supply teaching/ working with ESP?
• Balance and Flexibility are fundamental for me,
• An amazing staff team,
• Support, although you are effectively on your own, I always feel supported and prepared by ESP. Even during the craziness of a Pandemic ESP have been honest and supportive throughout. I couldn’t have asked for anymore.
What tips/ advice would you give to someone thinking about supply teaching or just starting out?
If you’re considering Supply teaching with ESP give it a go. I was only planning on doing supply as a short-term solution whilst I got to know the schools and the area. Whilst it has been great for that, and learning which schools I would love to work more in, I currently have no reason to move away from Supply Teaching as it offers me exactly what I need in a teaching job, without jeopardising my work/life balance.
