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.

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.

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.

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.