New to supply - How can I prepare myself?!

[crazeygal]

Hi,
I've been teaching for 2 years and haven't been able to find a job for September. So, I'm giving supply a go and I'm really looking forward to it but also a little scared!

I just wondered if anyone could suggest ways of getting ready before the schools go back, so that I'm fully prepared!

I'm already planning on hand delivering my cv, cover letter and personal statement to schools. Any suggestions on whether to wait until the 2nd week back, so that schools don't get too annoyed with me in the first week?! Also, what should I expect from this initial visit? Would you just speak to the secretary? What if the secretary isn't very responsive? Do you try again at a later date?

I don't quite know where to start in terms of planning back up lessons, for when no work is left. I was thinking of doing using the theme of healthy eating for a full days work and adapting it to each year group. Do you think it's worth doing this? Or shall I just plan stand alone lessons? If I did plan stand alone lessons, do you plan one main lesson and adapt to each year group?

Has anyone got any good suggestions for useful books to use with photocopible worksheets for each year group? I have seen the Ready to go supply books and trying to get hold of some.

Any other advice will be greatly appreciated! Only 3 more weeks before schools back....where has the summer gone?!

Thanks

Crazeygal

[NuttySupplier]

Originally Posted by crazeygal

Hi,
Any suggestions on whether to wait until the 2nd week back, so that schools don't get too annoyed with me in the first week?! Also, what should I expect from this initial visit? Would you just speak to the secretary? What if the secretary isn't very responsive? Do you try again at a later date?

I don't quite know where to start in terms of planning back up lessons, for when no work is left. I was thinking of doing using the theme of healthy eating for a full days work and adapting it to each year group. Do you think it's worth doing this? Or shall I just plan stand alone lessons? If I did plan stand alone lessons, do you plan one main lesson and adapt to each year group?

Hi!

Don't worry, you've got more lessons in your head than you'll probably need. It's very rare that you have to come up with lessons nowadays, I've only done it twice!

I'd risk the schools being busy in the first week and get in there... maybe not if they don't start til Thursday though! Give them perhaps 3 days. There'll be many NQTs desperate to get their foot in the door too. I'd call the day before, to see if they're interested in seeing it, and say you're experienced. Some will prefer to take you than an NQT money v. experience, some will go for experience.

Don't see the first visit as a visit, you're just avoiding using a stamp, so you can make a great impression!

I'm on holiday... so I'll stop there for now!

Speak soon!