Your first job as supply teacher is to ensure a good relationship with your agency...
We spoke to Marie here at A Star Teachers for her tips on your first job as a supply teacher...
Ready, Set, Go... The teacher who is up, dressed and has downed their first cup of tea by 7.30 will definitely get the job over the teacher who is still under the duvet hitting the snooze button!
Wondering why you haven't been offered supply work yet? It might be worth checking the current status of your police check (DBS). It's one of the main reasons for a delay in clearing your file for supply work. It's always best to take your DBS with you if it’s your first teaching assignment at a school. It is policy at some schools not to let you beyond the supervisor’s office unless your DBS has been checked.
Be flexible... about location, salary, subject - about everything, in fact! Similarly, if you've been booked in for an interview/trial day for a long term role, but have also been offered a days supply elsewhere, recognise the bigger picture. That trial day might just provide you with your dream job.. stranger things have happened!
Check phone messages over lunch - Lunchtime is when a lot of bookings are done by agencies and many supply days are dished out on a first come, first served basis. It’s not uncommon for agencies to leave messages with ten different supply teachers: the person who checks their voice mail after school finishes, will miss out.
Lastly, if you’re sick - Always call and let your agency know by 7.30am if you’re too ill to carry out a pre-arranged supply booking. Phoning in and cancelling any later is a cardinal sin, as in our line of business, you know the slog that goes into getting a good supply teacher!
Best of luck!
Marie
www.astarteachers.co.uk