Teaching on Supply: FAQs

 

 

Teaching on supply is not only a viable option for newly qualified teachers seeking flexibility but also holds tremendous value for a wide range of teaching staff. Whether you’re an experienced educator seeking semi-retirement or a teacher struggling to balance professional responsibilities with personal commitments, supply teaching offers the flexibility to create a schedule that accommodates family time, hobbies and more.

 

Whether you’re a seasoned educator or considering a new path in education, navigating supply teaching can raise questions. In the below FAQs we address common queries and provide valuable insights to help you thrive in your teaching role.

 

  • What does it mean to work on supply?

    Supply teaching involves stepping into temporary educational roles to cover for absent or vacant positions within schools.

     

    Supply teaching differs from permanent positions in several key ways:

     

    • Duration: Supply work ranges from a single day to several months, offering temporary opportunities, while permanent positions are long-term commitments.

     

    • Employment status: Permanent roles involve full-time contracts with specific schools, whereas supply teachers are typically employed on a short-term basis by agencies.

     

    • Commitment: Permanent roles require a long-term commitment to a single school, whereas supply teaching offers flexibility with shorter commitments tailored to your individual needs and career aspirations.
  • What advantages does supply teaching offer?

    Supply teaching presents educators with several unique advantages compared to permanent positions:

     

    • Enhanced flexibility: Supply teaching empowers educators with unparalleled control over their schedules, enabling them to select work opportunities that align with their personal commitments and desired work-life balance.

     

    • Diverse experience: By working on supply, you will be exposed to a wide range of educational settings, age groups, and teaching methods. This diversity can enhance your professional development and adaptability as an educator.

     

    • Career exploration: Supply teaching allows educators to explore an array of schools and grade levels before committing to a permanent role. Exploring different environments can help you make informed career decisions and identify settings that resonate with your aspirations and teaching methods.
  • What roles do you offer for supply teachers?

    We offer a wide variety of teaching roles across different subjects and educational settings. We have roles for subject-specific teachers, primary school teachers, secondary school teachers, special educational needs (SEN) teachers, further education teachers, cover supervisors, and positions specifically tailored for Early Career Teachers (ECTs).

     

    Regardless of what teaching role you decide on, you will be able to choose between short-term/temporary roles and long-term/permanent roles. This diversity allows teachers to choose roles that align with their expertise, preferences, and career goals. 

  • How much supply work can I typically expect?

    Teachers and support staff working on supply often wonder about the frequency of work. The amount of bookings for our supply staff varies  based on the region, individual availability, and times of the year. Work tends to be quieter at the very beginning of the school year and also the last weeks before Christmas and Summer.

     

    Building rapport with your recruitment consultant, maintaining frequent communication, and leaving positive impressions on the schools increase chances of future bookings. Be sure to keep consultants informed of your availability.

  • What is the registration process at Monarch?

    Securing a position with Monarch Education involves a streamlined process designed to match candidates with suitable roles.

     

     

    • Pre-screen consultation: Upon reviewing your qualifications and skills, one of our recruitment consultants will engage in an informal conversation to understand your preferences and desired roles.

     

    • Documentation and compliance: Essential documents such as teaching qualifications, DBS checks, and references will be required for verification purposes, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

     

    • Registration interview: Following the initial discussion, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about our available roles and share insights into your experience and skill set through a Zoom or face-to-face interview.

     

    • Ready to Work: Once all necessary documentation is submitted, our dedicated team will diligently match your qualifications and preferences with available opportunities. When a suitable role arises, we’ll promptly notify you with relevant details.

     

    Our commitment to your success extends beyond the registration process. Throughout your journey with us, we provide ongoing support and address any concerns you may encounter. We will continue to match you with suitable jobs based on your availability and preferences, creating an ongoing relationship for consistent work opportunities. 

  • Do I need teaching experience to work with Monarch?

    Although this will depend on the type of role you are applying for, not all our positions require traditional teaching experience. We welcome candidates with  related experience like youth work, childcare or social care.

     

    We recognise that skills gained in these areas are valuable and can be highly transferable to the educational field. Our goal is to match candidates with the right opportunities. Therefore, we consider several types of previous experience you may have.

     

    Always be sure to check out the requirements for the specific role you’re applying for and ensure you have the right experience before applying.

     

    If you have a passion for working with students and believe your background aligns with the educational sector, we encourage you to explore our job opportunities!

  • What qualifications are required for supply teaching?

    Candidates must have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) to qualify for supply teaching. This is typically obtained through completing a recognised teacher training program or university degree, such as a Bachelor of Education (BEd), or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

     

    Candidates will also need to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is mandatory for all individuals working with children and vulnerable adults in the UK.

     

    Candidates will also be requested to provide two references from previous employers, schools or educational institutions to verify your suitability for a specific teaching role.

     

    An understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures can also be beneficial and may even be a requirement by some schools. Completing safeguarding training or possessing relevant certification is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of students.

     

    Finally, all candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK, which may include British citizenship, indefinite leave to remain, or a valid work visa.

     

    Although not essential, it can be desirable if candidates have a degree in relevant subject/discipline or evidence of involvement in relevant CPD training. 

  • Do I need QTS to be a supply teacher?

    To become a supply teacher at a primary, secondary or SEN school, you will need Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Without QTS, you cannot register with the General Teaching Council for England and schools will not be able to employ you as a qualified supply teacher.

     

    If you don’t have QTS, there are still options for you if you want to work in schools. For example, you can be employed as a cover supervisor in secondary schools. However, you’ll need a degree, and experience in a placement in a secondary school to qualify.

  • What type of educational sectors can I work in?

    We have opportunities in a wide range of educational settings including Primary Schools, Secondary Schools, Special Educational Needs (SEN), Early Years and Nurseries.

     

    We understand that each candidate will have unique strengths and work arrangement preferences. That’s why we encourage candidates to specify the type of role they’re interested in to their dedicated recruitment consultant. Whether you have a passion for working with specific age groups or in particular educational environments, we will strive to match you with roles that align with your preferences and expertise 

  • Are your job placements primarily short-term, or do you also offer options for long-term and permanent positions?

    While our expertise lies in providing supply teaching opportunities, we do also have long-term and permanent teaching roles.

     

    Our goal is to cater to educators at different career stages, whether they seek short-term flexibility or aspire to secure stable, permanent positions. With a wide array of job opportunities, we’re equipped to assist you in finding the ideal fit, be it for a day, several months, or a permanent teaching role.

     

    Click here to explore our latest jobs.

  • Do supply teachers have to plan lessons?

    For day-to-day supply the simple answer is no, lessons are planned for you. In most cases the school will provide you with lesson plans or guidance of what to teach. However, we advise all our teachers to have back-up work as its always good to have a few activities up your sleeve. For long-term roles you would be expected to plan lessons. It is essential that you teach the work you have been set by the school.

  • Can you make a career out of supply teaching?

    Yes, supply teaching can be perfect if you have another job or other commitments as you can teach whenever it suits you.

     

    Many of our supply teachers have been taken on permanently by schools after a period of time supply teaching. So, if you’re interested in a permanent role, supply teaching can be a great way to get a taste for teaching!

  • What are the benefits of registering as a supply teacher with Monarch?

    There are several benefits of registering with Monarch. Here’s just a few: 

     

  • What support do you provide to help supply teachers in their roles?

    We are dedicated to providing comprehensive support and guidance to teachers to help them excel in their roles and achieve their career goals. Each teacher registered with us is paired with a dedicated consultant who serves as their primary point of contact.

     

    Teachers can reach out to their consultant with any questions, concerns, or requests for assistance. Our consultants offer personalised guidance and support throughout your teaching journey. 

  • Are there any opportunities for learning and professional development?

    We offer all candidates access to Affinity Academy, our dedicated hub for learning and development. It provides teachers with a wealth of resources, training materials, and information to enhance their teaching skills and knowledge. Teachers registered with us have the opportunity to participate in online training courses designed to support their professional development. These courses cover a wide range of topics relevant to teaching and education, ensuring that teachers can continue to grow in their roles. Why not take a look at our upcoming training sessions? 

     

    As a registered candidate of Monarch, you also have access to The Skills Network, where you can explore over 30 level 3 online learning courses that will help you upskill, reskill, and personally develop.

  • What are the average pay rates for supply teachers with Monarch?

    The average pay rates for teachers vary based on factors such as location, experience and specific requirements of the job. On average, the pay rates for our teacher roles range between £150 – £230 per day.  

  • How do I register as a teacher with Monarch?

    To start your education journey with us, simply get in touch with your local branch. Alternatively, apply to one of our teaching roles and we will contact you directly!