Supply Teaching is an excellent way for teachers to have, or restore, a healthy work-life balance, and for newcomers to the industry, it’s a chance to test the waters before committing to a permanent role. Below are some of the benefits of working in supply:
Holidays
Teachers typically have limited flexibility in planning their holidays, only able to book time off during the school holidays. Supply teachers however have more freedom to choose them they take time off for holidays allowing them to benefit from lower, off-peak travel costs and avoid crowded holiday hotspots.
Flexibility
Supply teaching also offers additional flexibility for personal reasons, such as celebrating special occasions or taking long weekends away. It can also work around your current commitments.
You might have a varying schedule that isn’t compatible with a permanent teaching position. For example, if you are only able to work a few days per week, or your schedule changes weekly then supply teaching might be the role for you.
It is based around your life – you tell us when you would like to work and we will only contact you on those days. It is for this reason keeping your availability up to date is so important. You can update this online by clicking here.
“The education team have a good knowledge of the local schools in the area and they source work for my individual needs.”
Beverley – Supply Teacher
Variety
Some teachers often spend years at one school, and in some cases, never experience other schools. Supply teaching is the perfect way to work in different schools and work with different classes regularly, meaning that no two days are the same.
Staying in one place can sometimes limit your teaching style. Supply work lets you interact with other teachers, observe different methods and learn what to include or avoid in your own teaching.
Try before you buy
Exploring various schools allows you to experience the culture before committing to a long-term or permanent position, while allowing you to move on if you decide it is not the school for you.
No planning or marking
Part of the daily role of being a permanent teacher involves planning, marking, parents evenings, and assessments. However, supply teaching eliminates this extra workload. All of the planning and marking are taken care of, allowing teachers to focus on their passion for teaching without the added paperwork.
Returning to teaching
Supply teaching is the perfect way to get back into teaching if you have taken some time out of the classroom to work in another industry, or to raise a family. The flexibility and variety of the role is a great way to get back in the classroom, but also to refresh your skills and get yourself up to date with developments and industry changes. It is also a great way to see if a return to teaching is the right decision for you before committing to a long-term role with full control of your own schedule.
“The Athona Education team are fully supportive of teachers, as in my case, who wish to lessen their working days for family or retirement reasons and we can converse with understanding and gentle humour, should the occasion arise! “
Susanna – Supply Teacher
Teaching after retirement
Retirement doesn’t have to mean the end of teaching. Many of those retiring still love teaching but only want to work part time or don’t want all the extra work goes with it, so lots of retiring teachers choose to enjoy the benefits of teaching on their own terms. For more information about teaching after retirement click here.
If you are interested in working as a supply teacher you can get started by filling in our registration form here. Alternatively call us on 01277 245840 and our team would be happy to help.
To find out what one of our supply teachers had to say about working with us click here.
