Much of the stress for supply teachers begins before they reach the classroom. In this series of articles looking at top tips for supply teaching, we look at practical ways to reduce this stress. By Sharon Wood
Always leave the classroom tidy. The attention to detail m
ay not be noticed, but if a classroom is left in a mess, this will be noticed and noted. Make an effort to check floors, surfaces and tables.
Leave the teacher’s desk tidy too. Leave orderly piles of notes, marked work, and your handover sheet. Don’t have a handover sheet? Give mine a whirl, and let me know what you think, I’d love feedback! Think how nice it is to come downstairs and into the kitchen in a morning to be greeted by a clear worktop… and apply that to the teacher’s desk! Don’t fuss over what was left on there by the teacher, make sure your notes are obvious, but that if they walk in with something to put down, there is a space for it other than on top of your notes.
Enjoyed your day? Tell any staff you can find about your day and thank them for welcoming you into their school. If you’d like to return, let it be known: a quick ‘hope to see you again soon’ may prompt an investigation into possible dates in the school diary.
My first TA has been a close friend for 19 years now! Take time to get to know the TA, even after school has finished. You may be back there one day and s/he could be your greatest ally!
Have you cracked it? Do you get as much work as you want, in the schools you want to be in? Let us know your top tips for supply teaching woes below, on Facebook, or on Twitter!
Where next? There’s a great quick read here on Tips for Supply Teachers – Improvisation. Check out our resources area here too.