So do you want to be a substitute/supply teacher?

Once you have graduated and completed your teaching practice or want to return to the classroom, you may not be able to get a position in a school right away. One way to gain additional experience or get noticed at schools where you live is to volunteer to be a substitute or substitute teacher.

Below are some ideas to help you begin the process of becoming a substitute/supply teacher.

First, decide, in advance, which schools you want to work for. Decide on a set of criteria that you will use to make that decision, eg distance, size, etc.

Then send your CV to the assistant principal and provide simple details on how to contact you, when you are available and your teaching experience and any specialist knowledge or skills you have to offer. These could include computer skills; ability to play a musical instrument; experience in dramatic productions, as well as various sports or athletic skills or coaching experience.

Once you have decided on your list of schools, determine how long it will take to travel to each school. This will ensure your arrival with enough time to organize your day. Check parking arrangements with school staff.

The first time you go to a school, arrive at least 30 minutes before start time to orient yourself to the geography of the school and meet school officials, eg assistant principal, office staff, curriculum coordinator.

Once you have received your appointment as a school administration teacher for the day at a primary school, find your teaching partner, introduce yourself and ask for any help or advice you need. At a high school, introduce yourself to the department head.

Always be firm but polite in your dealings with students. Expect normal courtesies from them. Read the School Behavior Management plan when it is installed. If discipline problems arise that you cannot resolve, seek help immediately from your teaching partner or department chair.

For future use in the classroom, collect worksheets that can be used with many age groups. Develop binders with worksheets for each grade level and/or a set of generic worksheets or teaching ideas that can be used at all grade levels. Include problem solving or critical thinking exercises that can be used at many levels for years to come. Try to get ones that range from simple to complex. Also collect rules for simple games, inside and outside the classroom, that you can use in the future or make up your own.

Finally, ask the school if they have an induction kit for relief teachers to help you become familiar with the school’s culture, policies, and procedures. You will be able to access this when you submit your CV. This indicates that you want to do the best you can for the school and the students while you are there.