The Top Traits of a Great Daily Supply Teacher
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.
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£120 - 160 per day
Location free text
Sheffield
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Sheffield
Description
Job Title: KS1 TeacherLocation: Sheffield/BarnsleySalary: £120-160Enjoy working with children and want a rewarding career, that you can feel accomplished, by shaping the young minds of he future?Teac
Reference
sc5564
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield NorthAuthor
Sheffield NorthSalary
£120 - 180 per day
Location free text
Northumberland
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
KS2 - Year 4
Location
Northumberland
Description
Are you a creative and imaginative teacher looking for a fulfilling part-time role in Key Stage 2? We're seeking a motivated educator to join our team and inspire young minds in a supportive learning
Reference
SS32K2
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Tyne Tees PrimaryAuthor
Tyne Tees PrimarySalary
£120 - 160 per day
Location free text
Doncaster
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£500 - £749 per week
Sector
Teacher
Location
Doncaster
Description
Role: KS2 TeacherContract: Temp to Perm, FulltimeSalary: £120-160 per dayArea: DoncasterAre you a newly qualified teacher, who is looking to gain more experience to kickstart your career? OR are you l
Reference
AH2641
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield NorthAuthor
Sheffield NorthSalary
£83.85 - 95.00 per day
Location free text
Doncaster
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
Less than £500 per week
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Doncaster
Description
Teaching Personnel are looking for a committed and proactive Teaching Assistant to work in a Primary School in Doncaster to start in May 2024. Ideally, we are looking for someone who has experience wo
Reference
AH2643
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield NorthAuthor
Sheffield NorthSalary
£12.90 - 15.50 per hour
Location free text
Manchester City Centre
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Cover Supervisor
Location
Manchester
Description
Discover exciting opportunities at Teaching Personnel in Manchester, where we're actively seeking passionate individuals ready to embark on their teaching careers. With immediate openings available, t
Reference
JM4679
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester South SecondaryAuthor
Manchester South SecondarySalary
£12.90 - 15.50 per hour
Location free text
Levenshulme
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Cover Supervisor
Location
Greater Manchester
Description
We cordially invite you to consider a position at Teaching Personnel in Lenenshulme. We are actively seeking dedicated individuals eager to embark on their teaching careers. With immediate opportuniti
Reference
JM423
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester South SecondaryAuthor
Manchester South SecondarySalary
£12.90 - 15.50 per hour
Location free text
Didsbury
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Cover Supervisor
Location
Greater Manchester
Description
Consider a position at Teaching Personnel in Altrincham as we seek dedicated individuals eager to begin their teaching careers. Immediate opportunities await, offering compet
Reference
JM645
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester South SecondaryAuthor
Manchester South SecondarySalary
£20 - 35 per hour
Location free text
Bracknell
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
£30 per hour and above
Sector
Teacher
Location
Bracknell
Description
Job Title: Tutors needed in Berkshire Location: England, South East England, BerkshireJob Type: Temporary, expected to work Part-Time hoursPrimary Industry: Education and TrainingSecondary Industr
Reference
LM26/04/20243
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£20 - 35 per hour
Location free text
Slough
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
£30 per hour and above
Sector
Teacher
Location
Slough
Description
Job Title: Tutors needed in Berkshire Location: England, South East England, BerkshireJob Type: Temporary, expected to work Part-Time hoursPrimary Industry: Education and TrainingSecondary Industr
Reference
LM26/04/20242
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£12.90 - 12.90 per hour
Location free text
Marchwood
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Special Needs
Location
Marchwood
Description
Seeking Passionate Individuals with a Heart for Children! Are you passionate about positively impacting young lives, experienced in educational and SEN/SEMH settings? If so, we want to hear from you!
Reference
GWOOD 6
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire SENAuthor
Hampshire SENRelated posts
Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
The teacher recruitment crisis is a priority for school leaders across the country. In the 2021–22 academic year, 4000 teachers retired, and 9% of the teaching workforce resigned, marking the highes
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
Planning for the Easter break? The Teaching Personnel payroll team wants to make sure you get paid on time. This table outlines the Easter 2024 payroll date, along with the corresponding deadline
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
Supply TeachingContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
Table of Contents 1. Why do people become supply teachers? 2. What does it take to become a supply teacher? 3. How can I find work as a supply teacher? <!-- b--> 4. How shou
by
Alex Schulte
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision in schools is a critical aspect of education that demands attention in 2024. According to the Department for Education, over 1.5 million pupils in England
Teaser
Multi-Academy TrustsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD11YY
Summary
Laura Williams is an education leadership coach with fifteen years of leadership experience in education across business, operations, HR, finance and governance. She is a former Business Manager, CO
by
Scott Owen
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD11YY
Summary
Creating a safe and nurturing environment for pupils is paramount in the age of evolving social dynamics. One issue that has gained significant attention in recent years is the distinction between
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD11YY
Summary
Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson addressed the Labour Party conference in October, where she announced plans to reform primary maths. Currently, one in four children leave primary school
Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
Mock exams are a crucial milestone in a pupil's academic journey, serving as a practice run for the real deal. As educators, you play a pivotal role in helping pupils navigate through these trial ex
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
In the fast-moving world of education, headteachers and schools face the challenge of ensuring a continuous and reliable supply of qualified teachers. Unforeseen teacher absences due to staff sickness
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
Embarking on the journey to become an educator is both exhilarating and demanding. The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is crucial to achieving your teaching ambitions. The road ahead
Register with us
for a choice of classroom roles
Register today
Recent job