Rachel - ESP Teacher |
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I started teaching in 2012. I have worked in several schools on short-term contracts, with supply teaching in between.
After completing my PGCE at Oxford Brookes, I began working as a supply teacher whilst looking for full-time work. Since then, I have worked in 4 different schools on short-term / maternity contracts in Key Stage 2 classes (mainly Year 5/6), working in schools in Derbyshire, Gloucestershire and Devon. I have been working for ESP since 2018.
Why did you choose to become a supply teacher?
I initially began supply teaching as a way of gaining more experience in the classroom after my PGCE. Some of my first bookings were as a TA, which was a really useful way of overcoming some of the nerves of working in an unknown school, as well as being able to observe the class teachers and how they worked. In moving to new areas, working on supply has been really useful in getting a better idea of the various types of schools in an area, and where I would feel comfortable working.
Experience of supply teaching – has it been what you expected or different? How did you find facing new schools and experiences?
The flexibility and variety of supply teaching definitely has its ups and downs! An early morning call to work at a new school in an unknown area is always a bit nerve-wracking, but when you arrive, you are generally given a warm welcome for coming in at short notice. Walking into a new classroom and getting stuck in to teaching has been brilliant for developing my confidence, especially in making quick decisions and adapting lessons when something isn’t quite going to plan.
As my teaching jobs and placements have all been within KS2, I have enjoyed working with younger children and building up my confidence in teaching across all ages. I have also been able to undertake some longer-term bookings, and have enjoyed getting to know the children better and plan some of my own lessons to suit them.
Why did you choose to work with Exeter Supply Partnership?
I was looking into agencies in the area, and ESP stood out as being different to others I had worked with in the past. I was impressed with their ethos and commitment to supporting local schools and teachers, as well as the decent pay and CPD options.
As a supply teacher what are your go to back up resources if there is no planning available?
It is very rare that there is no planning at all, and in those cases often another teacher / TA will have some suggestions. I do keep a few books and resources in my bag, including times table grids and maths puzzles that can be quickly photocopied as a useful time filler, a book of practical maths games (no marking 😊) and some ideas for open-ended design-based activities that can be extended to include writing tasks and fill a whole morning if needed. I also have a Twinkl subscription, which is a great back up when there is a computer available.
What 3 benefits do you think there are to supply teaching/ working with ESP?
• Flexible working, with the chance to work in a wide variety of schools and locations.
• A simple booking system and app, and a friendly, helpful admin team on hand if needed.
• The joy of working with children, without the stress and pressure of full-time teaching
What tips/ advice would you give to someone thinking about supply teaching or just starting out?
Don’t be daunted by the idea of going into lots of new schools – it's a great way to build your confidence, and there are always lots of ideas for lessons, displays, resources etc that you can ‘magpie’ for future use.
If you can, spend a few minutes checking the route and where you can park before you set off, so you know what to expect when you arrive.
Set out expectations from the start. Make use of the school’s reward scheme where possible, and try to learn as many names as you can. Background information about the class and any ‘characters’ is always useful, especially if there are particular strategies that work well.
Enjoy it – make the most of the chance to try different ideas and see how different schools operate, as well as meeting lots of new children and staff.
After completing my PGCE at Oxford Brookes, I began working as a supply teacher whilst looking for full-time work. Since then, I have worked in 4 different schools on short-term / maternity contracts in Key Stage 2 classes (mainly Year 5/6), working in schools in Derbyshire, Gloucestershire and Devon. I have been working for ESP since 2018.
Why did you choose to become a supply teacher?
I initially began supply teaching as a way of gaining more experience in the classroom after my PGCE. Some of my first bookings were as a TA, which was a really useful way of overcoming some of the nerves of working in an unknown school, as well as being able to observe the class teachers and how they worked. In moving to new areas, working on supply has been really useful in getting a better idea of the various types of schools in an area, and where I would feel comfortable working.
Experience of supply teaching – has it been what you expected or different? How did you find facing new schools and experiences?
The flexibility and variety of supply teaching definitely has its ups and downs! An early morning call to work at a new school in an unknown area is always a bit nerve-wracking, but when you arrive, you are generally given a warm welcome for coming in at short notice. Walking into a new classroom and getting stuck in to teaching has been brilliant for developing my confidence, especially in making quick decisions and adapting lessons when something isn’t quite going to plan.
As my teaching jobs and placements have all been within KS2, I have enjoyed working with younger children and building up my confidence in teaching across all ages. I have also been able to undertake some longer-term bookings, and have enjoyed getting to know the children better and plan some of my own lessons to suit them.
Why did you choose to work with Exeter Supply Partnership?
I was looking into agencies in the area, and ESP stood out as being different to others I had worked with in the past. I was impressed with their ethos and commitment to supporting local schools and teachers, as well as the decent pay and CPD options.
As a supply teacher what are your go to back up resources if there is no planning available?
It is very rare that there is no planning at all, and in those cases often another teacher / TA will have some suggestions. I do keep a few books and resources in my bag, including times table grids and maths puzzles that can be quickly photocopied as a useful time filler, a book of practical maths games (no marking 😊) and some ideas for open-ended design-based activities that can be extended to include writing tasks and fill a whole morning if needed. I also have a Twinkl subscription, which is a great back up when there is a computer available.
What 3 benefits do you think there are to supply teaching/ working with ESP?
• Flexible working, with the chance to work in a wide variety of schools and locations.
• A simple booking system and app, and a friendly, helpful admin team on hand if needed.
• The joy of working with children, without the stress and pressure of full-time teaching
What tips/ advice would you give to someone thinking about supply teaching or just starting out?
Don’t be daunted by the idea of going into lots of new schools – it's a great way to build your confidence, and there are always lots of ideas for lessons, displays, resources etc that you can ‘magpie’ for future use.
If you can, spend a few minutes checking the route and where you can park before you set off, so you know what to expect when you arrive.
Set out expectations from the start. Make use of the school’s reward scheme where possible, and try to learn as many names as you can. Background information about the class and any ‘characters’ is always useful, especially if there are particular strategies that work well.
Enjoy it – make the most of the chance to try different ideas and see how different schools operate, as well as meeting lots of new children and staff.
