Robin - ESP Teacher |
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5 years teaching in total 2 years secondary and 3 years primary, 1 month supplying in Devon and some supply in Hertfordshire before.
I studied religious studies secondary PGCE at Brighton University and taught a number of humanities subjects for two years in the Brighton area before taking a break from teaching to be closer to family. When I moved to Hertfordshire some time later I decided to try supply work there as a way of dipping my toe into teaching where I was offered primary school work and fell in love with it. I learnt much from my time in long term placements across the key stages and began taking more long term placements in Key stage 2 which led to a full time position with year 4 then year 2. In that time I gained much experience specifically training in behavioural management, therapeutic learning as STEPS coordinator for my school, both training and consulting members of staff with any students with specific needs or difficulties. I also worked closely with the key stage 2 head due to prolonged absences of staff to take charge of planning of all topics for the year group, allowing me to flex my creative muscles and plan unique and memorable lessons for not just my class but the whole year. Over my time I have had experience across all the key stages apart from reception and enjoy the individual and inclusive approach to learning I have adapted, getting to know each student I teach individually and make them feel welcomed as part of a wider community of both the class and the school.
Why did you choose to become a supply teacher?
Given my initial experience in supply work I revel in both the challenge it faces and living up to the huge responsibility of the role. I know how difficult it can be not just for the school but the students themselves with the change in routine of a staff absence. By providing a friendly face for students and setting those clear boundaries to support them you allow the learning and fun to continue.
When I moved to Exeter I chose supply work because I think it not only provides an essential service but it allows you to really get to know what the environment and community is like in the schools. To become not just a member of one school but to become familiar with the complexities and individuality of each school and local community. It allows you to test your own skills whilst continuing to widen your practice by comparing it to the different approaches you find in every school and class you visit.
Experience of supply teaching – has it been what you expected or different? How did you find facing new schools and experiences?
In my first few months of working in supply it has been just as rewarding as I remember. It sharpens your adaptive skills and keeps you from complacency, making sure you're aware of the different policies and practices of the school whilst building that trust with a class you may just be teaching for the day, or if you're fortunate enough a number of days. Every day is a new surprise and you have to keep flexible when it comes to the implementation of the lessons but the rewards are great.
Why did you choose to work with Exeter Supply Partnership?
I chose to work with Exeter Supply Partnership because of the sense of support and a large team effort you get between everyone involved. They have a vast number of schools on their list and you can tell a very close relationship with every one of them. I felt like I was immediately part of that wider community from the first day on the job, not just being placed in whichever school but that ESP really take care to place you in schools that you will work well in. Not to mention the brilliant support and training opportunities they offer every month to help build your knowledge and practice further.
As a supply teacher what are your go to back up resources if there is no planning available?
Firstly always make time to set your standards and expectations with any class but do so in a mutual way. You want to support them and help them learn but they have a responsibility to let you and the other students do so. Make sure you've got a pocket full of marker pens and a pencil case full of different colour pens and pencils, and plain paper if you can. This makes sure that you have the right colours for the marking policy and the students have resources to work with (new books aren't always a certainty and some will inevitably ask for one.)
If you're in need of lesson planning, but also a good rule of thumb with every class, look at what they covered last lesson and see if you can build on it. For maths games top marks is a great website and for English there's some great creative writing sources on literacy shed. Make sure you get to know the school policies and having some time for the students to teach you them provides a great recap activity.
And bring your own coffee and mug! You don't want to accidentally pinch another staff members supply!
What 3 benefits do you think there are to supply teaching/ working with ESP?
Firstly it tests all of your teaching abilities, primarily your adaptation and behavioural management. You never know what the class is like or what exactly you'll be teaching so have to be prepared for anything and everything. It massively improves your confidence. You really get down to the cores of teaching in supply, you quickly realise that you have all the knowledge and skills within you and the feeling of achievement at the end of a successful day is fantastic, knowing that you have left the class well prepared for the teacher to return too. Lastly, you really get a feel for what the schools in the area and the people of the wider community are like. This is better than any school website or day visit will offer, you work with the team as a member of staff and meet the students there's no better opportunity than that.
What tips/ advice would you give to someone thinking about supply teaching or just starting out?
Never be afraid to ask questions, it doesn't matter how simple it might seem but the school will know that you may never have been there and what's second nature to them will be alien to you.
Your teaching assistant is your best friend in the class, as well as any other staff you come across. They will know the class intimately and will have your back in any situation.
Finally, do your research. Make sure you have a good knowledge of the school policies before you even set foot in the premises, marking, behaviour, reward and safe guarding policies are always there to read. It means you'll know who to talk too, it eases your stress and makes a great impression on the staff of the school.
I studied religious studies secondary PGCE at Brighton University and taught a number of humanities subjects for two years in the Brighton area before taking a break from teaching to be closer to family. When I moved to Hertfordshire some time later I decided to try supply work there as a way of dipping my toe into teaching where I was offered primary school work and fell in love with it. I learnt much from my time in long term placements across the key stages and began taking more long term placements in Key stage 2 which led to a full time position with year 4 then year 2. In that time I gained much experience specifically training in behavioural management, therapeutic learning as STEPS coordinator for my school, both training and consulting members of staff with any students with specific needs or difficulties. I also worked closely with the key stage 2 head due to prolonged absences of staff to take charge of planning of all topics for the year group, allowing me to flex my creative muscles and plan unique and memorable lessons for not just my class but the whole year. Over my time I have had experience across all the key stages apart from reception and enjoy the individual and inclusive approach to learning I have adapted, getting to know each student I teach individually and make them feel welcomed as part of a wider community of both the class and the school.
Why did you choose to become a supply teacher?
Given my initial experience in supply work I revel in both the challenge it faces and living up to the huge responsibility of the role. I know how difficult it can be not just for the school but the students themselves with the change in routine of a staff absence. By providing a friendly face for students and setting those clear boundaries to support them you allow the learning and fun to continue.
When I moved to Exeter I chose supply work because I think it not only provides an essential service but it allows you to really get to know what the environment and community is like in the schools. To become not just a member of one school but to become familiar with the complexities and individuality of each school and local community. It allows you to test your own skills whilst continuing to widen your practice by comparing it to the different approaches you find in every school and class you visit.
Experience of supply teaching – has it been what you expected or different? How did you find facing new schools and experiences?
In my first few months of working in supply it has been just as rewarding as I remember. It sharpens your adaptive skills and keeps you from complacency, making sure you're aware of the different policies and practices of the school whilst building that trust with a class you may just be teaching for the day, or if you're fortunate enough a number of days. Every day is a new surprise and you have to keep flexible when it comes to the implementation of the lessons but the rewards are great.
Why did you choose to work with Exeter Supply Partnership?
I chose to work with Exeter Supply Partnership because of the sense of support and a large team effort you get between everyone involved. They have a vast number of schools on their list and you can tell a very close relationship with every one of them. I felt like I was immediately part of that wider community from the first day on the job, not just being placed in whichever school but that ESP really take care to place you in schools that you will work well in. Not to mention the brilliant support and training opportunities they offer every month to help build your knowledge and practice further.
As a supply teacher what are your go to back up resources if there is no planning available?
Firstly always make time to set your standards and expectations with any class but do so in a mutual way. You want to support them and help them learn but they have a responsibility to let you and the other students do so. Make sure you've got a pocket full of marker pens and a pencil case full of different colour pens and pencils, and plain paper if you can. This makes sure that you have the right colours for the marking policy and the students have resources to work with (new books aren't always a certainty and some will inevitably ask for one.)
If you're in need of lesson planning, but also a good rule of thumb with every class, look at what they covered last lesson and see if you can build on it. For maths games top marks is a great website and for English there's some great creative writing sources on literacy shed. Make sure you get to know the school policies and having some time for the students to teach you them provides a great recap activity.
And bring your own coffee and mug! You don't want to accidentally pinch another staff members supply!
What 3 benefits do you think there are to supply teaching/ working with ESP?
Firstly it tests all of your teaching abilities, primarily your adaptation and behavioural management. You never know what the class is like or what exactly you'll be teaching so have to be prepared for anything and everything. It massively improves your confidence. You really get down to the cores of teaching in supply, you quickly realise that you have all the knowledge and skills within you and the feeling of achievement at the end of a successful day is fantastic, knowing that you have left the class well prepared for the teacher to return too. Lastly, you really get a feel for what the schools in the area and the people of the wider community are like. This is better than any school website or day visit will offer, you work with the team as a member of staff and meet the students there's no better opportunity than that.
What tips/ advice would you give to someone thinking about supply teaching or just starting out?
Never be afraid to ask questions, it doesn't matter how simple it might seem but the school will know that you may never have been there and what's second nature to them will be alien to you.
Your teaching assistant is your best friend in the class, as well as any other staff you come across. They will know the class intimately and will have your back in any situation.
Finally, do your research. Make sure you have a good knowledge of the school policies before you even set foot in the premises, marking, behaviour, reward and safe guarding policies are always there to read. It means you'll know who to talk too, it eases your stress and makes a great impression on the staff of the school.
