Best practice in the classroom
Smart practice for supply teachers: A survival guide I
n our first feature on best practice this month, Education Today hears from Kirsty Timmins, qualified teacher and Director of Shropshire-based TARA Professional Recruitment, who offers advice to supply teachers on fitting in with a school’s methods and keeping up with best practice. Supply teachers play a key role in any school, providing much-needed cover when permanent staff are ill, absent or even on a training course. And whilst there’s an abundance of best practice guidance for full-time teachers, there are certainly fewer resources for those that fill in. So, as a supply teacher, what are the golden rules for a well-behaved and engaged class? And what are the best tactics to ensure the teacher you replace is happy, and the school you’ve been drafted into asks you back?
“As with any teaching role, preparation is key. It may seem obvious, but make sure you find out as much as you can about the class and their current topic or focus, the teacher you’re replacing, classroom resources (will there be a whiteboard, for example?), as well as the school itself.
Preparation, Preparation, Preparation Working in the profession that you do, you’re likely to be a highly-organised individual, but what exactly does it mean to ‘be prepared’? It might be worth making a checklist of all the things you need to find out or take with you to the job. Think about how you are going to get to the school, its opening times when you get there, and who you need to report to on arrival. What time are you expected to be there by and what do you need to take with you – lesson aids, relevant documents, or a PE kit, for example?
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www.education-today.co.uk October 2015
When you’re on site, the school should provide a tour, incorporating staff facilities, who to ask for assistance, the location of fire exits, as well as a run-down on emergency procedures. If you haven’t already seen them, request a copy of the school’s safeguarding and behaviour policies and familiarise yourself with procedures. Now’s your opportunity to fill in any gaps about the class and the day ahead – will there be a teaching assistant, for example, or does the class have any pupils with special needs?
The start of the day will impact how the rest of your day pans out, so ensure you’re au fait with any daily routines to reassure children that these don’t change when you’re in command.
Professionalism
It’s true what they say – first impressions really do count, and presenting yourself as a confident professional will go a long way. Whilst you should dress appropriately and practically, it’s also important to make sure you look presentable – make sure you treat your entire appearance with the same professional care you do with your clothing.
Maintain professional behaviour whilst you’re on the school site, and be personable, self-aware and pro-active. Always arrive punctually and make sure you inform the school immediately of any delays en route.
Being friendly can really pay dividends,
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