What are the core skills of supply teachers that employers should keep an eye out for?

However, it’s one thing seeking skills on paper, and another doing it in practice, and there are several competencies that all education hiring teams should look for. With this in mind, what are the core skills of today’s supply teachers that recruitment teams should keep an eye out for?

All readers will have been in the position where they’ve found what looks like the ideal candidate, with all of the right qualifications, but when they come in for an interview, they don’t quite make the mark. That’s why CVs and cover letters are adept at helping to develop an initial shortlist, but shouldn’t be relied on for the full recruitment process. This is also why skills-first hiring has risen in popularity, and why employers across a range of sectors are now seeking softer competencies, rather than relying solely on educational attainment and experience.

This skills-first approach is particularly key in education where we all recognise that qualifications alone are not enough. Teaching is one of the most challenging and stretching of all professions, and being a successful teacher requires a particular set of skills. And working as a supply specialist necessitates an even more niche mixture of soft and technical competencies on top of that.

Hiring specialists will be aware of some traits needed from education professionals, however, there are other attributes that all establishments should seek in every hire:

Core skills of supply teachers

Communication

Clear communication is absolutely pivotal to being a successful teacher both on a supply and permanent basis, and not just with pupils, but also with other staff. Specialists must be able to quickly build rapport with students to provide clear instructions and offer an engaging approach to maintain interest. Equally, they need to be able to develop relationships with their colleagues to understand lesson plans, convey student concerns or simply to keep returning teachers up to speed and ensure a seamless transition. Few specialists will be ineffective communicators, but the best will generally be those most proficient in communicating with a range of different groups.

Adaptability

Perhaps the single most important quality in a supply teacher is adaptability. They must be ready to walk into different environments often with little to no notice, and be able to immediately acclimatise and perform to the best of their abilities, which is no mean feat. This pace of change and variety is almost unimaginable in most other industries and is something that only a small group of professionals outside of education will get to experience on such an acute basis.

Classroom management

Along similar lines, few education professionals will get far in their careers without the ability to manage a classroom fairly and with authority. This is particularly challenging for those stepping in at short notice with no previous relationship with the school or specific class; without strong leadership, students may see the absence of their regular teacher as an opportunity to misbehave. The specialists who can establish clear expectations whilst maintaining consistency can ensure that educational outcomes are not disrupted, and that pupils benefit from a degree of consistency.

Empathy and emotional intelligence

Some students may be unsettled by interruptions to their regular routines, particularly in SEND groups, and an effective supply specialist can quickly identify individuals who may need additional support and act accordingly. This can only be achieved with emotional intelligence and understanding and by those who can adapt their approaches to different pupil groups and recognise what’s needed.

Reliability

When being asked to replace an absent teacher, ensuring that the individual shows up for the role is perhaps the most important factor. Establishments of all shapes and sizes should prioritise reliability and timeliness in all supply specialists. Equally, those who aren’t trustworthy will struggle to find regular or return placements and build relationships with hiring teams.

Curiosity and lifelong learning

This is perhaps a less expected and less common trait, but professionals with an inquisitive mindset and the desire to learn will continue to develop their skills and find new ways to engage with pupils when others might plateau. This doesn’t only mean learning specific subjects, but also about new teaching methods, school cultures, or student interests which can all contribute to a richer educational experience for pupils.

If you’re seeking your next specialist supply teachers to operate at your education establishment, speak to our expert team.