I heard from a contracted teacher the other day who wanted to know if I’d come across this before:

There’s a new sign in their staffroom suggesting a donation of 20p for each cup of tea or coffee, and a rather obvious, overly large arrow pointing to the donations jar. Directed at supply teachers.

Having been a supply teacher in the past, she was disgusted.

Justification:
The teachers pay an amount each term for their drinks. This equates to £1 per week. Supply teachers should contribute similarly.

Argument against:
Supply teachers are visitors to the school. They are providing emergency cover… Helping the school out of a difficult situation. You wouldn’t treat any other visitors like that.

Personally?
I don’t think many supply teachers will be surprised to see this sign. And I can’t imagine many begrudging the money, as they know how the teas and coffees are funded (from teachers’ pockets) However, I think if the supply teacher is new to the school, they should be treated as a visitor and offered a drink. Or two! The supply teacher will no doubt be carrying a tea bag anyway, but how nice to be offered one! When I was contracted, I would gladly let the supply teacher taking my place to take my cups of tea for the day too.

I’m glad that the supply teachers are expected to use the staffroom in this particular school, as I know that they increasingly ostracised for fear of them over-hearing confidential information.

Next time you go on a supply assignment, don’t forget your 20p pieces!

Where next? There’s a great quick read here on supply teachers: bullies with the biggest sticks. Check out our resources area here too.