by Sharon Wood
SupplyBag.co.uk exists to support supply teachers. Here, we have many articles on how to get started as a supply teacher, and how to be a better supply teacher. It is in everyone’s interests for you to continually improve your performance in school.
As part of the Government’s commitment to raising the effectiveness of supply teaching the former DfES commissioned a set of self-study materials for post induction Supply Teachers in order to support their Professional Development.
The materials consisted of five books to enable independent study, but have since been lost into the ether.
The National Union of Teachers (NUT) offers a calendar of courses to aid in Continuing Professional Development, a good proportion of which are aimed specifically at supply teachers.
Most other teaching unions and associations offer CPD courses. It is worth contacting your local supply teacher recruitment agency regarding CPD that they may offer.
The Supply Teacher offers a CPD course for supply teachers, focusing on increasing confidence, improving improvisation skills, developing professional relationships etc. It is a home study course, self-assessed, and includes a Certificate of Attainment. The course is priced at £20, and is available to supply teachers here:
http://www.thesupplyteacher.com/information/cpd-information/12-cpd-course-from-the-supply-teacher
Swansea University often offers Continuing Professional Development courses for supply teachers.
Where next? There’s a great quick read here on Daisy the Donkey’s First Fare – Russ Brown
Check out our resources area here too.