Being a supply teacher, as with most jobs, has its advantages and disadvantages that you will need to consider before entering in to this type of work. Below I have discussed some of the main pros and cons of the job so you can weigh up if it is more suitable for you:
Advantages:
- Short term supply teaching (normally 1 or 2 days at the same locations) can mean that yu do not have to worry about marking, reports, displays and parents evenings. You simply go in to the classroom and teach.
- Often the lessons are already planned, you just follow someone else’s lesson plan and leave at the end of the day – meaning a lot less admin for you
- You have the flexibility to pick and choose the days you work and locations and schools you work in
- Have the excitement of being at a different school teaching different ages of pupils on a weekly basis if not daily.
Disadvantages:
- No fixed income – You may have a full week the one week and then nothing for the rest of the month
- Not being able to get to know a class well enough to teach them to the best of your ability
- Not having much flexibility on how a lesson is taught as you may have to follow a lesson plan already created for you
- Not being able to gain control of a classroom as supply teachers are often targeted within schools by students wishing to cause disruption
