Jump to main content
Search
shortlist register contact us menu
The top traits of a great daily supply teacher

The Top Traits of a Great Daily Supply Teacher

Date posted : 28 July 2021

The last 18 months have shown us all the importance of great supply teachers. Through all the pandemic’s interruptions to education, schools have relied heavily on temporary teachers to ensure students can still receive quality learning time. Daily supply teachers have been essential in keeping schools running smoothly when permanent teachers are absent.

The fundamental difference between daily and long-term supply teachers is that long-term supply staff can work periods that span a couple of weeks or even a few terms. Day-to-day supply teachers face a fresh environment each day. This presents its own challenges and requires a well-equipped toolbox to succeed.

Here are the top traits that a daily supply teacher needs to have a successful and rewarding career.

Flexibility and adaptability

Daily supply teaching offers you a great deal of flexibility. The nature of the job means that you will teach in a range of different locations, work irregular days and deal with varied age groups and levels of competency.

A flexible role allows you to work on your own terms and cater your work schedule around your personal responsibilities. For many daily supply teachers, the freedom of the role is the key to managing their wellbeing, giving them the time they need to rest and recuperate.

As a supply teacher, you might find yourself in a completely different environment on a daily basis, so you need to embrace the dynamic elements of the job. The ethos, student behaviour, and processes of each school will differ, so you need to stay versatile.

One of the most important parts of your success as a daily supply teacher taking these differences in your stride and show that you can flourish in any setting. The teachers that can adapt will earn an excellent reputation within the sector and are often asked to return for future teaching positions.

Organisation

One of the key skills that schools look for in a good daily supply teacher is organisation. Organised daily supply teachers can quickly set up a class and ensure that they have all the lesson plans and teaching materials ready to hand.

As we’ve mentioned, the schedule of your day can change in an instant. This means your bag should be filled with backup lesson plans. Great organisational skills will allow you to answer those last-minute teaching calls and deliver a successful, enriching lessons at the drop of a hat.

Relatability

Whether you’re a primary or secondary supply teacher, being friendly and approachable is part and parcel of the job. However, for a daily supply teacher, being able to connect with your students is a really indispensable skill. While you might be met with a wave of nerves at the thought of meeting a group of new students every day, the feeling will most likely be mutual.

Students will often be nervous about being taught by a new face. That’s why it is important that they feel comfortable asking questions and expressing themselves comfortably around you. When a class is connected to their teacher this results in more engaging lessons and a fulfilling experience.

Show passion

It goes without saying, but a true passion for teaching is vital. Genuine enthusiasm will radiate through the classroom and can make the difference between a successful and unsuccessful lesson. A teacher who can engage with a class is bound to get the best out of their pupils. Showing your passion helps to create a positive learning environment and can inspire your students to get involved.

Find a supply teaching job with Teaching Personnel

If you feel that you have all of these skills in abundance, then we want to help you find an enriching education career. Teaching Personnel is the UK’s leading education recruitment agency. We place newly qualified teachers, fully qualified teachers and support staff in supply jobs at thousands of schools every year. We specialise in finding the best candidates for education jobs, so browse our daily supply teacher jobs and find your next role.

List #1

Related posts

Overcoming SEND staffing challenges in schools

Teaser

Special Educational Needs

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD07YY

Summary

In December 2024, the government announced new specialist places in mainstream schools to better support pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Yet, staff shortages limit s

Teaser

Read more
Bridging the gap: Why SEND CPD matters for teachers

Teaser

Special Educational Needs

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD06YY

Summary

Recent statistics highlight gaps in SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) training and support for educators. The government wants more SEND pupils in mainstream schools. At the same t

Teaser

Are your staff prepared for the rising SEND needs in mainstream schools? Diagnoses are rising, but most teachers feel unprepared. Discover why high-quality SEND CPD is essential and how your school can upskill effectively without breaking the budget.

Read more
Pupils listening to teacher in classroom
Creating inclusive classrooms: strategies for success

Teaser

Special Educational Needs

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD06YY

Summary

In 2024, the National Audit Office (NAO) highlighted the crisis in the SEND system, noting limited progress in making mainstream schools more inclusive. Without further investment and changes, t

Teaser

With the number of pupils with special educational needs (SEN) rising, schools must take proactive steps to create inclusive learning environments. The National Audit Office (NAO) has highlighted the challenges in making mainstream schools more accessible, emphasising the urgent need for change. But while systemic improvements are necessary, educators can implement practical strategies today to support SEND pupils effectively.

Read more
How to navigate SEND funding for 2025-26

Teaser

Special Educational Needs

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD06YY

Summary

 How to navigate SEND funding for 2025-26    As government funding for special education needs and disabilities (SEND) evolves, schools face critical challenges securing essential resources. Sch

Teaser

Struggling to make sense of SEND funding for 2025–26? Get clarity and strategy in our free SEND Funding Guide, packed with insights schools can use now.

Read more
SEND reform 2025: Delays, funding, and what schools need to know

Teaser

Special Educational Needs

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD06YY

Summary

Unpacking SEND reform: Where are we now and what’s coming next? A rapid rise in pupils diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder, social, emotional, and mental health needs (including ADHD), as

Teaser

New reforms mean new responsibilities. Find out how to support your team with training, compliance, and smart SEND planning in our free guide.

Read more
What do schools need to know this term?

Teaser

Education News

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD05YY

Summary

What do schools need to know this term? Change is constant in the education sector, and this term is no different. From Ofsted and pay reviews, to structural shifts like RISE and curriculum refo

Teaser

Change is constant in the education sector, and this term is no different. From Ofsted and pay reviews, to structural shifts like RISE and curriculum reform, school leaders face a challenging time. Here’s what’s currently happening across the sector.

Read more
Zuzana Vrtalova

by

Zuzana Vrtalova

Zuzana Vrtalova

by

Zuzana Vrtalova

Invigilator seeing over exams
Understanding the value of outsourced invigilators through Teaching Personnel

Teaser

Tips and Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD03YY

Summary

The True Worth of Professional Exam Invigilation When schools and colleges across England and Wales prepare for examination periods, the pressure to maintain JCQ compliance while ensuring fair ass

Teaser

Examination periods bring immense pressure to maintain compliance and ensure fair assessments. Discover how Teaching Personnel’s highly trained, JCQ-accredited invigilators provide schools and colleges across England and Wales with seamless, professional invigilation services—ensuring integrity, safeguarding, and expert support when it matters most.

Read more
Zuzana Vrtalova

by

Zuzana Vrtalova

Zuzana Vrtalova

by

Zuzana Vrtalova

Easter Payroll Dates 2025

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD03YY

Summary

With the Easter break and end of term coming up, it’s time to get your payroll sorted! Our Payroll team has outlined the key dates you need to ensure you receive your pay on time. Check out the ta

Teaser

Read more
Zuzana Vrtalova

by

Zuzana Vrtalova

Zuzana Vrtalova

by

Zuzana Vrtalova

The evolving landscape of SEND in the UK

Teaser

Special Educational Needs

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD03YY

Summary

The landscape of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is transforming. The number of pupils in the UK with special educational needs (SEN) has increased over the last five years. Toda

Teaser

Read more
Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Spring into a New Teaching Career: Embrace Supply Teaching this February

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD02YY

Summary

As Spring approaches, it's a critical date for many teachers in the UK who may be contemplating their professional future ahead of the February 28th resignation deadline. While teaching remains on

Teaser

Read more
Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

company logo
Search