As the end of the current academic year nears, it is not just a busy time for school heads as they start to plan ahead for the next academic year. For supply teachers also looking for their next assignment, now is an opportune moment to polish their CVs and put themselves in the strongest position to land that next assignment following the summer period. In our latest blog, we look at some of the most important areas for supply teachers to focus on as they seek to secure work and maintain a regular flow of income after the long holiday season.
Making the most of the ‘down-time’
While the end of the school year and the upcoming summer holidays should be a well-deserved time for rest, as we know only too well, the work of teachers is never done. Supply teachers are no different, and although recharging batteries and taking a break is of the utmost importance, they must also plan ahead with a view to finding work in the new term. As well as concentrating on some key areas, which we outline below, pausing to reflect back on the past year and the ‘lessons’ learned will go a long way to boost their candidacy when it comes to applying for new supply teacher roles.
Being caught up with the busy school term schedule and the pressures of work often means that certain tasks will inevitably get forgotten and put to one side. Updating CVs is one of those, but it’s imperative to include all recent experiences in the latest iteration of your CV, highlighting the challenges and accomplishments. School heads and agencies will be looking for evidence of adaptability and different assignments within a range of environments to see how you have coped and flourished. Names of referees must of course be included as these will be checked thoroughly during the process.
Many of the standard CV writing tips will apply to supply teachers. The importance of a strong opening impression via a personal statement should not be overlooked as this will provide a good indication of your personality and interpersonal skills. And as well as all the relevant information about assignments – these should be kept to a reasonable limit with a focus on the most recent – it is also important to include any other key information, particularly about skills and experience but also relevant hobbies and other extra-curricular pursuits.
A fine-tuned CV is just one of the things to have ready in preparation for the next school year. Supply teachers must also look at upskilling and training, including attending courses that their permanent colleagues would have already done. They may have missed out on new teaching and curriculum developments so any gaps in their continuing professional development (CPD) must be plugged. In light of the pandemic and the switch to virtual classrooms, understanding digital learning platforms has become a must for all teachers who need to feel comfortable with the fast-evolving EdTech space.
Boost your supply teacher skills and knowledge
Looking into suitable approved courses that will build your confidence and knowledge of digital learning will be time well spent as it will also enhance and improve your CV. Another vital area is of course mental health, the importance of which was also thrust into the spotlight during the pandemic, at a time when schoolchildren’s education suffered immeasurably. Supply teachers must be able to identify when pupils under their care are struggling with their mental health so that they, in conjunction with their schools, can best support these individuals with their diverse needs.
Whether it’s new ways of working, for example, Google Classrooms, understanding the complexities of mental health, remote learning platforms or e-safety, there is plenty to keep abreast of. Indeed, when partnering with a supply teacher agency, it is always worth checking to see if they offer any CPD assistance. Supply teachers need to own their CPD and ensure that they regularly add to their learning arsenal of skills, which will greatly bolster their CVs.
It’s been a stressful time for supply teachers post-pandemic with schools and multi-academy trusts (MATs) coming to rely on their services even more given the spate of recent strikes. While taking some time off to rest and recuperate is essential, this is also an ideal time to take stock and start thinking about the new school year. This time should be used wisely to refresh your CV, become a digital learning guru, deepen your knowledge on topics such as mental health and connect with supply teacher agencies. And of course, preparing some lesson plans in readiness for September.
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