Being a supply teacher, or substitute teacher, in London is certainly not boring! There are approximately 3250 schools in London and nearly 14 million pupils, so there are always schools, including secondary schools, looking for great supply teachers.
But what can you expect as a supply teacher in London? Here is a typical day!
Introduction
As a secondary school teacher, one’s day is filled with a mix of teaching, lesson planning, and interacting with students. It’s a demanding yet rewarding career that requires a strong passion for education and working with young people. In this article, we’ll delve into the life of a secondary school teacher, exploring the challenges and rewards of the job, as well as the skills and qualities required to succeed. Secondary teaching also presents unique challenges, including achieving a healthy work/life balance and maintaining mental health and wellbeing while striving for continuous improvement in teaching methods.
Becoming a Supply Teacher
Becoming a supply teacher can be a great way to gain experience and flexibility in the teaching profession. Supply teachers work on a temporary basis, covering classes for absent teachers or providing additional support to schools. To become a supply teacher, one typically needs to have a teaching qualification, such as a PGCE, and experience working with students. Supply teaching can be a great way to get a feel for different schools and year groups, and can also provide a clear career path for those looking to transition into a permanent teaching role.
Qualification Route and Experience
To become a secondary school teacher, one typically needs to complete a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject area, followed by a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree. Some secondary school teachers may also choose to pursue a Master’s degree in Education or a related field to further their knowledge and skills.
In terms of experience, many secondary school teachers start their careers as teaching assistants or cover supervisors, working in schools and gaining hands-on experience in the classroom. Others may choose to volunteer or work in youth organizations to gain experience working with young people.
Andrew, a secondary school teacher with over 20 years of experience, notes that his qualification route involved completing a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in drama at Bretton Hall College, Yorkshire, followed by a PGCE at Goldsmiths in south east London. He also worked as an actor for 11-12 years before becoming a teacher, which he believes helped him develop valuable skills in communication and performance.
6am – The day starts early for a secondary school teacher
As a supply teacher in London, the day starts early for a secondary teacher. You are on call from the early hours, and if you don’t have a booking already, you should be up around 6.30am waiting to see what day vacancies are available. Bear in mind that it can easily take an hour to get across London, so you need to be prepared to travel. Make sure you have everything packed and ready to leave at a moment’s notice. It’s good to arrive at 8 or thereabouts, so you can meet other staff as they come in, and make sure that the senior leadership team are aware of your arrival.
8am – Spend time in the staff room
If all goes well, you will be asked back to the school again. So it’s good to get on well with your colleagues. Spend some time before the day starts chatting to other staff and getting to know them and the school. Don’t let them scare you, but do ask advice from other teachers around particular ways of working the teacher you are covering has, or any students and pupils who might need extra support. It’s always best to be prepared. While teaching offers a stable career, the salaries are often lower than those in other jobs that may require fewer qualifications or responsibilities.
8.45am – Head to your classroom for lesson planning
Make sure you get to the classroom before the students, so you don’t arrive flustered or stressed. Make sure you know any marking or admin that needs to be done, and build this into your day. Most good teachers have a robust lesson plan and guidance, so there shouldn’t be any surprises. Take this time to read through any last minute notes and familiarise yourself with resources in the room. There are always glitches with technology or log ins, so be as ready as possible. Secondary teaching presents specific challenges, such as achieving a healthy work/life balance while maintaining mental health and wellbeing.
9am – First lesson begins!
The teaching day starts for a secondary teacher. Introduce yourself, and set rules and expectations for the lesson. Make sure they know that you’re not there to be taken advantage of, and it’s school as normal. Some pupils and students will misbehave with supply teachers, so stand up for yourself and be firm – but likeable.
10.30am – Enjoy a cuppa if you can
Find out in the morning if you’re on break or playground duty and what that means. Different schools have different rules. If you’re not, take this time to have a cup of coffee and reflect on how the day has been so far, and swot up for the next lesson. Secondary teaching presents unique challenges, such as maintaining a healthy work/life balance and prioritizing mental health and wellbeing while continuously improving teaching methods.
1pm – Lunch time
Most supply teachers take a packed lunch, but you can also see what’s on offer in the canteen. It’s up to you where you eat, but it might be good to take some time to look over the afternoon’s sessions in your classroom too. Secondary teaching presents specific challenges, such as achieving a healthy work/life balance and maintaining mental health and wellbeing while continuously improving teaching methods.
Challenges and Rewards
Teaching is a challenging profession, both physically and emotionally demanding. A typical day for a secondary school teacher can be around 10-12 hours long, with lesson planning, marking, and staff meetings taking up a significant amount of time. However, the rewards of teaching far outweigh the challenges. Seeing students learn and grow, and knowing that one is making a positive impact on their lives, is a truly fulfilling experience. Additionally, teaching provides a sense of job security and stability, with opportunities for career advancement and professional development. While teaching offers these benefits, it is important to note that the salaries are often lower than those in other jobs that may require fewer qualifications or responsibilities.
Skills and Development
Secondary school teachers need to possess a range of skills to be effective in their roles. These include strong communication and interpersonal skills to work with students, colleagues, and parents. The ability to plan and deliver engaging lessons, using a range of teaching methods and resources, is also crucial. Additionally, strong organizational and time management skills are essential to manage a heavy workload and meet deadlines. Teachers must also be adaptable to changing circumstances and priorities, and flexible in their approach. A commitment to ongoing professional development is vital to stay up-to-date with best practices and new technologies.
In terms of development, secondary school teachers can pursue a range of opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge. These may include Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses and training programs to develop specific skills or knowledge areas. Mentorship programs offer the chance to work with experienced teachers and gain guidance and support. Leadership development programs help teachers develop skills and knowledge in areas such as curriculum design and school management. Additionally, research and academic study can lead to a Master’s or Doctoral degree in Education or a related field.
Lois, a secondary school teacher with experience teaching drama, notes that she has developed a range of skills through her teaching practice, including lesson planning, classroom management, and assessment and feedback. She also values the opportunity to work with other teachers and share best practices. Lois has participated in a range of CPD courses and training programs to enhance her skills and knowledge.
3.30pm – Home time
If you have been set admin and marking, now is the time to do it before you leave school for the day as a secondary teacher. Check in with senior leadership team if you’re likely to be needed tomorrow or for a few days. Let them know how
things went, and any issues that may have arisen – or huge successes you’ve had! If you are back tomorrow, spend some time looking over the lesson plans so you don’t stress overnight. It’s always worth being organised, as it makes the day go much easier second time around. Then head home and relax for the evening, or enjoy some of the amazing entertainment and sights London has to offer.
Ready to be a supply teacher in London? Get in touch and we’ll fix you up with London schools looking for the best teachers – and now!
Work-Life Balance
Achieving a work-life balance is crucial for secondary school teachers. With long hours and high demands, it’s easy to get burned out. However, there are ways to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life. Setting clear boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and making time for hobbies and interests outside of work can help teachers recharge and avoid burnout. Additionally, many schools offer support for teachers’ mental health and wellbeing, recognizing the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Secondary teaching presents specific challenges, such as managing large class sizes and diverse student needs, which can make achieving this balance even more difficult.
Career Progression and Advice
Secondary school teachers can pursue a range of career progression opportunities, including subject leadership roles such as Head of Department or Faculty Leader. Senior leadership roles like Assistant Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher are also options. Teachers can specialize in roles such as Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) or Gifted and Talented Coordinator. For those interested in school leadership, positions like Headteacher or Principal are attainable.
Andrew, a secondary school teacher with over 20 years of experience, notes that he has progressed through a range of roles, including subject leadership and senior leadership positions. He advises new teachers to be proactive in seeking out opportunities for development and progression, and to be open to new challenges and experiences.
Lois, a secondary school teacher with experience teaching drama, notes that she is considering pursuing a Master’s degree in Education to further her knowledge and skills. She advises new teachers to prioritize their own professional development and to seek out opportunities for growth and learning throughout their careers.
Reflections and Future Plans
As a secondary school teacher, one is constantly reflecting on their practice and looking for ways to improve. Whether it’s seeking feedback from colleagues, attending professional development courses, or trying new teaching strategies, there is always room for growth and development. Looking to the future, many teachers aim to take on leadership roles, such as department head or assistant principal, or to specialize in a particular subject area. Others may choose to pursue a career in education policy or research, using their teaching experience to inform and shape education policy. The role of a secondary teacher often involves navigating these various career paths and experiences within the education sector.
Conclusion
Being a secondary school teacher is a rewarding and challenging career, requiring a range of skills and knowledge areas. From qualification routes and experience, to skills and development, career progression and advice, this article has explored the key aspects of a secondary school teacher’s role. Whether you are considering a career in teaching, or are already working as a secondary school teacher, we hope that this article has provided valuable insights and information to support your journey.
