So, you’re a teacher relocating to the ‘Shire’ and debating whether you should apply for a direct class-teaching role or join an agency? Let us make your decision easier for you!

Here are a few reasons why supply teaching in Gloucestershire could be a great choice for you:

 

1. High Demand for Teachers

There is a significant demand for supply teachers in Gloucestershire, especially in areas where schools are experience staffing shortages or require additional support for short-term or long-term cover. This demand creates a steady stream of opportunities for teachers in both primary, secondary and SEN/SEMH settings.

 

2. Flexibility and Work-Life Balance

Supply teaching provides flexibility that many full-time teaching positions do not. You can choose when and where you work, making it ideal for those who want to maintain a better work-life balance. Whether you’re looking for part-time work or just want to pick up shifts when they fit with your schedule, supply teaching offers that flexibility.

 

3. Explore the Beautiful Region

Gloucestershire is known for its natural beauty, including the Cotswolds, the Forest of Dean, and picturesque villages. Relocating to the area for supply teaching allows you to explore the region while working, giving you the opportunity to experience life in both rural and urban settings.

 

4. Competitive Pay and Benefits

Thrive Supply Teachers typically take home more money per week compared to those working through our competitors.  Supply teaching can come with the benefit of working with various schools, which can help you build your professional network and gain diverse teaching experience.

 

5. Opportunity for Career Growth

Being a supply teacher doesn’t mean you’re stuck in the same position forever. Many supply teachers find long-term placements or permanent roles after gaining experience at different schools. If you’re new to the area, supply teaching is an excellent way to get a feel for various schools and establish connections that might lead to permanent positions.

 

6. Supportive Education Community

Thrive Education has a well-established and supportive educational community. Teachers in the area often collaborate and support one another, which can be a great asset for someone new to the region. Additionally, Gloucestershire’s schools generally provide good resources and training to support supply teachers, helping you settle in and succeed in your role.

 

7. Living in a Lower-Cost Area

Compared to larger cities like London, Gloucestershire can offer a more affordable cost of living, especially in terms of housing and daily expenses. This can make it easier to live comfortably while working as a supply teacher, potentially improving your overall quality of life.

 

8. Positive Impact on Students, Variety and Professional Development

Supply teachers often play a vital role in maintaining consistency in education when a permanent teacher is absent. Your contribution can have a meaningful impact on students’ learning and well-being, which can be incredibly rewarding.

Supply teaching exposes you to a variety of schools, classrooms, and teaching environments. This can be a great opportunity for professional development, as you’ll encounter different teaching styles, curriculum approaches, and student populations. It also allows you to develop adaptability and a broad skill set.

 

Conclusion

Relocating to Gloucestershire for supply teaching offers a range of benefits, from flexibility and a great work-life balance to the opportunity to experience the beauty of the region. If you’re considering teaching in the area, supply teaching is a practical and fulfilling option that allows you to settle in, earn a living, and explore the diverse educational landscape of Gloucestershire.

 

Register with Thrive Education Recruitment by booking a slot in our diary today!

Supply teaching can be a rewarding and flexible career choice, offering opportunities to work in a variety of educational settings. As a supply teacher, you step in to cover for regular teachers who are absent due to illness, training, or other reasons.

Here are some factors to consider if you’re thinking about supply teaching as a career:

 

1. Flexibility

 

• Hours: Supply teaching can offer great flexibility. You can choose when and where to work, which is ideal if you want to avoid the routine of a full-time position or if you have other commitments.
• Variety: You will work with different schools, age groups, and subjects, which can be an exciting challenge and a way to gain experience in diverse teaching environments.

 

2. Requirements

 

• To work as a supply teacher in the UK, you need to be a qualified teacher, holding Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or a similar qualification. In some cases, there are opportunities for unqualified teachers (such as cover supervisors), but these positions may not be as prevalent.
• You must also pass background checks (DBS checks) to ensure the safety of students.

 

3. Challenges

 

• Classroom Management: One of the biggest challenges of supply teaching is managing classrooms without the established rapport a regular teacher might have. Some pupils may be less inclined to follow rules with a teacher they don’t know, so you’ll need strong classroom management skills.
• Adapting Quickly: You must be able to quickly adapt to different school environments, lesson plans, and teaching methods. It can be stressful if you are not given enough time to plan, especially if you’re stepping in for a teacher mid-term or with little notice.
• Lack of Continuity: Supply teachers often lack long-term relationships with students, which can be less satisfying for those who enjoy building lasting connections with their pupils. However, for some, this is a positive aspect of the role as it avoids the emotional investment of a full-time teaching position.

 

4. Benefits

 

• Work-Life Balance: The flexibility means you can often take time off when you need it, giving you a good work-life balance. It’s an appealing option if you want to avoid long hours associated with full-time teaching jobs, especially during school holidays.
• Variety of Experience: Working in different schools allows you to gain varied experience and build a diverse portfolio, which could be useful if you want to move into more permanent roles later on.
• Weekly pay: Supply teachers are paid on a weekly basis, a week in lieu.

 

5. Pathways for Career Growth

 

• While supply teaching is often seen as a temporary or flexible option, many roles can lead to long-term contract or even permanent roles. Schools usually offer full-time contracts to supply teachers they feel are a good fit for their setting.
• Some supply teachers transition into more senior or specialist roles once they’ve gained extensive experience in different schools.

Conclusion

 

Supply teaching offers flexibility and variety but comes with its challenges, particularly in terms of classroom management and adapting quickly to new environments. It can be a great career for those who enjoy a dynamic workday and the opportunity to work across different schools.

 

If you are interested in finding out more about supply teaching and how Thrive can support you, please contact us on the details below. Alternately, book a slot directly into our calendar following the link below:

https://thrive-education.co.uk/contact-us/

Telephone: 01452 260 933

Email: ellis@thrive-education.co.uk