Why being a supply teacher is better than a permanent role

Being a Supply Teacher has many advantages over being employed in a full-time role with a school. The most obvious benefit is the increased flexibility that comes with the job. As a Supply Teacher, you are not tied down to the same school for an extended period of time, and you have the opportunity to work with different students, teachers and school environments. This can be a great opportunity for those who enjoy variety in their work. 

This makes it a great fit for parents coming back to work, retired teachers, NQT’s, or those with other responsibilities outside of work. It can also reduce day to day pressure and therefore improve their work-life balance, which is important for health and wellbeing.

In addition, Supply Teachers have more autonomy over their career and are able to pick and choose the jobs they accept. This means that they can avoid the more competitive environments that often come with full-time roles, as well as the additional pressures of dealing with staff and parents. This can lead to a better work-life balance, as Supply Teachers are not tied down to the same school and can take days off to attend family birthdays and other events. 

The workload of a Supply Teacher is also usually less than that of a full-time teacher. This is because they are not expected to do the same amount of planning and target setting, assessments, meetings and other activities that full-time staff must take part in. This can be a great relief for those who want to focus on teaching and leave the other tasks to the full-time staff. 

In addition, Supply Teachers have greater access to CPD and training opportunities than their full-time counterparts. This includes access to fully funded courses and accredited Level 2 qualifications, which can help them to enhance their skills and further their careers. 

Finally, supply teaching provides opportunities for career development. For newly qualified teachers, it is an excellent opportunity to develop their skills and gain experience. It also allows them to figure out which direction they want to take in their career. Being exposed to different learning styles and teaching methods also provides opportunities to learn new methods throughout each placement. This will support both their career and professional development, as well as making them an appealing candidate for other permanent teaching roles.

Overall, being a Supply Teacher can be a great option for those looking for greater flexibility, autonomy, and a better work-life balance, as well as access to CPD and training opportunities and a larger network of contacts.