Samantha - ESP Teacher |
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I qualified in 1998 and have been a supply teacher since 2012.
I studied for a PGCE (lower primary) with the OU, and was based in schools in Devon. After completing the course, I relocated to London and worked as a supply teacher for the remainder of the academic year, then took up a full time post at a school in Ealing, working across EYFS and KS1. During that time I was PSHE and then science coordinator. I was then a full time mum for several years before returning to work part time at the Montessori School in Exeter and obtained a Montessori Diploma. I then attended the Return to Teach course and subsequently have worked as a supply teacher.
Why did you choose to become a supply teacher?
Working as a supply teacher has enabled me to be both a mum and a teacher, which at this particular time in my life is exactly what I need.
Experience of supply teaching – has it been what you expected or different? How did you find facing new schools and experiences?
After I initially qualified, I found a supply agency in London which took me on prior to having ‘official’ confirmation that I had passed the PGCE. I had a teaching post lined up for the start of the academic year but wanted to start teaching straight away. I was sent all over the city and had some amazing experiences! Many years later, after completing Return to Teach, I was apprehensive about supply teaching but reminded myself that I had done it before, so could do it again! It’s always daunting to go into a school for the first time but staff are always supportive and helpful. I think the most important thing is to be open minded and flexible – every school is different and you just need to ‘go with the flow’: this is especially true when working in pre-schools!
Why did you choose to work with Exeter Supply Partnership?
ESP was initially created in order to meet the supply needs of schools in Exeter – I live in Exeter and specifically wanted to work in Exeter, and ESP were the only agency I considered working with. I was particularly attracted by their not-for-profit values, and their dedication to providing opportunities to improve professional development, e.g. provision of courses. They care about schools and education; that is really important to me.
As a supply teacher what are your go to back up resources if there is no planning available?
I always carry daily plans for each age group – created partly from resources I’ve acquired over the years and also from some fantastic websites, such as https://nrich.maths.org/primary and http://www.letters-and-sounds.com/. These are rarely needed as full planning is usually provided. It’s also a good idea to have a few songs in mind when teaching pre-school classes.
What 3 benefits do you think there are to supply teaching/ working with ESP?
What tips/ advice would you give to someone thinking about supply teaching or just starting out?
If you’re looking for flexible work, supply teaching is the perfect answer. It provides variety and experience, it’s fulfilling and enjoyable – ESP are a great agency to work for and the app is very simple to use. Long/short term/permanent posts often arise and having worked as a supply teacher in such a school gives you an advantage if you should wish to apply for such a post.
I studied for a PGCE (lower primary) with the OU, and was based in schools in Devon. After completing the course, I relocated to London and worked as a supply teacher for the remainder of the academic year, then took up a full time post at a school in Ealing, working across EYFS and KS1. During that time I was PSHE and then science coordinator. I was then a full time mum for several years before returning to work part time at the Montessori School in Exeter and obtained a Montessori Diploma. I then attended the Return to Teach course and subsequently have worked as a supply teacher.
Why did you choose to become a supply teacher?
Working as a supply teacher has enabled me to be both a mum and a teacher, which at this particular time in my life is exactly what I need.
Experience of supply teaching – has it been what you expected or different? How did you find facing new schools and experiences?
After I initially qualified, I found a supply agency in London which took me on prior to having ‘official’ confirmation that I had passed the PGCE. I had a teaching post lined up for the start of the academic year but wanted to start teaching straight away. I was sent all over the city and had some amazing experiences! Many years later, after completing Return to Teach, I was apprehensive about supply teaching but reminded myself that I had done it before, so could do it again! It’s always daunting to go into a school for the first time but staff are always supportive and helpful. I think the most important thing is to be open minded and flexible – every school is different and you just need to ‘go with the flow’: this is especially true when working in pre-schools!
Why did you choose to work with Exeter Supply Partnership?
ESP was initially created in order to meet the supply needs of schools in Exeter – I live in Exeter and specifically wanted to work in Exeter, and ESP were the only agency I considered working with. I was particularly attracted by their not-for-profit values, and their dedication to providing opportunities to improve professional development, e.g. provision of courses. They care about schools and education; that is really important to me.
As a supply teacher what are your go to back up resources if there is no planning available?
I always carry daily plans for each age group – created partly from resources I’ve acquired over the years and also from some fantastic websites, such as https://nrich.maths.org/primary and http://www.letters-and-sounds.com/. These are rarely needed as full planning is usually provided. It’s also a good idea to have a few songs in mind when teaching pre-school classes.
What 3 benefits do you think there are to supply teaching/ working with ESP?
- Flexibility – I can set my daily/weekly/monthly/termly availability quickly and easily via the app. It really is a great way to work when you have children and/or other responsibilities.
- The relationship between myself and the ESP team – I feel so fortunate to work alongside such a friendly, efficient and supportive team; they really are fantastic! I feel valued and appreciated, and that really makes such a difference, especially when working in supply.
- Building relationships with schools – it's lovely to have the opportunity to work regularly with the same schools as you get to know the children, the staff, and the routines.
What tips/ advice would you give to someone thinking about supply teaching or just starting out?
If you’re looking for flexible work, supply teaching is the perfect answer. It provides variety and experience, it’s fulfilling and enjoyable – ESP are a great agency to work for and the app is very simple to use. Long/short term/permanent posts often arise and having worked as a supply teacher in such a school gives you an advantage if you should wish to apply for such a post.
