Making a good first impression as a supply teacher can help you build a positive relationship with pupils and staff,cementing your reputation in the school.This gives you a clear advantage, so you can do your job to the best of your ability and settle into your new role. Use these top tips to make a positive first impression:
- Get to know your pupils. You will need to know about any additional needs they have, their strengths, areas of improvement and where they might need some more support. Even if you’re only in the school for a short period of time, this will help you tailor your lessons so the children get the most out of them.
- Request the right information from the school. Ask about seating plans, behaviour management protocols and safeguarding so that you have the basics to hand right from the start. This will set you in good stead for your first lessons, as well as showing the school you’re approaching your position positively and proactively.
- Use positive language. The language you use is so important when forging new relationships, especially with permanent teaching staff. A positive and upbeat tone will help them to feel confident in your abilities and will show your willingness to take on the tasks required of you. Refrain from complaining or speaking negatively about the school – if you have a question or want something to be done differently, word your request constructively.
- Have a variety of lesson plans to hand. Teaching lessons as a supply teacher might require some thinking on your feet if you don’t know anything about the pupils in advance, so be prepared and stay flexible.
- Speak to the teaching assistants, especially if they are in your lessons. They will have so much knowledge you can benefit from, so ask them more about the pupils you will be teaching and take any advice they have for you on board.
- Stay calm. Being a teacher is hard – being a supply teacher is even harder. You may not have time to get to know pupils well, and in particular, you will likely not have time to work proactively on behaviour issues and find the right path forward for individual children. Remaining calm and having good behaviour management techniques in your back pocket will help you to stay versatile and responsive to any situations you face, so you can deal with themresponsively.
- Write everything down. You can’t overcommunicate as a supply teacher; to make sure people know the valuable work you have done, and to keep learning momentum up for the children you have taught, it’s always a good idea to leave notes and tell permanent teachers what you have done during the day.
Want to know more about working as a supply teacher or to find out about the latest job openings? Contact Teach Agency.