Some thoughts on being a supply teacher
Created | Updated Feb 12, 2002
What are the disadvantages?
It's no fun being a supply teacher.You are a natural butt for the misbehaved to have some fun and the well behaved to have some amusement at your expense.They try to trick you as to what the school rules are.Yes of course you pack up 10 minutes early,sit 4 to a 2 seater desk and can stay in the room at break.Of course as you don't know any names you can't really do anything to us can you?WRONG!!! I just get the teacher in charge and I leave a note for the absent teacher.If I'm in a school for longer than a week then I set my own detentions.
The students are less inclined to do the work set and sometimes looking at the uninspired efforts of the absent teacher or head of department I can't really blame them.Even when it is my speciality people leave make up work.After a couple of weeks in the same department looking at set work I begin to see a desperation(especially in practical subjects like CDT and I can see that the work is just to occupy the students and isn't the real work they would be doing if the member of staff was present.If I can see this so can the students.The students aren't stupid and are inclined to mess about more and more as time passes.
I'm particularly hated because I actually try to teach the students,unlike the regular staff who cover for their colleagues.They resent losing their free periods and so expect the class to sit and do the set work with no help while they mark their own student's work.Most students think that if it's only one lesson they can give the work a miss and so resent me interrupting their 'holiday'.
The worst situation to be in as a supply teacher is the one where you are covering for someone on a long term basis and you are covering year 11(15-16)who are doing GCSE in the subject.The nearer to the exams they are they are desperate and are inclined to lash out and complain at the nearest teacher...you the supply teacher.If it's my speciality I can help though I'm treated with suspicion(funny that)but if it's not then there are problems.I'm pretty quick at picking up what they need to do BUT they still need a specialist in that subject.Of course if it is known that a teacher will be out for a long time then a specialist will be found.However in some subjects this is next to impossible particularly Languages,CDT and Music.
Between June and September I get much less work therefore a much reduced pay packet.The reason for this being that the year 11 go on what is known euphemistically as study leave from May onwards and during the month of September I will earn no money at all as the schools are closed during August.My income therefore is somewhat erratic.Due to this If I become ill after agreeing to work I find it difficult to then refuse to work when ill and often find myself working through a heavy cold or flue.I also have on occasions suffered my way through a ghastly migraine or three.
What are the advantages?
It can be said that I usually have no marking in the short term but in the long term I do have to do some marking or the students get dispirited I usually issue merits,credits and find ways to encourage the younger students where possible.I am not expected to attend meetings before school although I usually do but I'm not welcome at any after school.I get away quicker than the regular staff which is a definite perk.I get to visit several schools and I therefore get to have a change of scenery and faces and thus I have variety in my work.I also can take time off when necessary or when I feel like it.I also set no work and am not responsible for the standard of work.Of course this goes against the grain and I try to do otherwise.Hmm I'm not sure if that is a disadvantage or an advantage.It certainly is not an advantage for the students.
Why do it?
Because I love it!!!I love teaching and I love dealing with young people(despite my moans and groans)When it goes right it's a terrific job/vocation.When I inspire a child with my enthusiasm and they learn something new I'm over the moon.What more can I ask?
It's no fun being a supply teacher.You are a natural butt for the misbehaved to have some fun and the well behaved to have some amusement at your expense.They try to trick you as to what the school rules are.Yes of course you pack up 10 minutes early,sit 4 to a 2 seater desk and can stay in the room at break.Of course as you don't know any names you can't really do anything to us can you?WRONG!!! I just get the teacher in charge and I leave a note for the absent teacher.If I'm in a school for longer than a week then I set my own detentions.
The students are less inclined to do the work set and sometimes looking at the uninspired efforts of the absent teacher or head of department I can't really blame them.Even when it is my speciality people leave make up work.After a couple of weeks in the same department looking at set work I begin to see a desperation(especially in practical subjects like CDT and I can see that the work is just to occupy the students and isn't the real work they would be doing if the member of staff was present.If I can see this so can the students.The students aren't stupid and are inclined to mess about more and more as time passes.
I'm particularly hated because I actually try to teach the students,unlike the regular staff who cover for their colleagues.They resent losing their free periods and so expect the class to sit and do the set work with no help while they mark their own student's work.Most students think that if it's only one lesson they can give the work a miss and so resent me interrupting their 'holiday'.
The worst situation to be in as a supply teacher is the one where you are covering for someone on a long term basis and you are covering year 11(15-16)who are doing GCSE in the subject.The nearer to the exams they are they are desperate and are inclined to lash out and complain at the nearest teacher...you the supply teacher.If it's my speciality I can help though I'm treated with suspicion(funny that)but if it's not then there are problems.I'm pretty quick at picking up what they need to do BUT they still need a specialist in that subject.Of course if it is known that a teacher will be out for a long time then a specialist will be found.However in some subjects this is next to impossible particularly Languages,CDT and Music.
Between June and September I get much less work therefore a much reduced pay packet.The reason for this being that the year 11 go on what is known euphemistically as study leave from May onwards and during the month of September I will earn no money at all as the schools are closed during August.My income therefore is somewhat erratic.Due to this If I become ill after agreeing to work I find it difficult to then refuse to work when ill and often find myself working through a heavy cold or flue.I also have on occasions suffered my way through a ghastly migraine or three.
What are the advantages?
It can be said that I usually have no marking in the short term but in the long term I do have to do some marking or the students get dispirited I usually issue merits,credits and find ways to encourage the younger students where possible.I am not expected to attend meetings before school although I usually do but I'm not welcome at any after school.I get away quicker than the regular staff which is a definite perk.I get to visit several schools and I therefore get to have a change of scenery and faces and thus I have variety in my work.I also can take time off when necessary or when I feel like it.I also set no work and am not responsible for the standard of work.Of course this goes against the grain and I try to do otherwise.Hmm I'm not sure if that is a disadvantage or an advantage.It certainly is not an advantage for the students.
Why do it?
Because I love it!!!I love teaching and I love dealing with young people(despite my moans and groans)When it goes right it's a terrific job/vocation.When I inspire a child with my enthusiasm and they learn something new I'm over the moon.What more can I ask?
