Myths about Supply Teaching
Hands up if you’ve ever heard anything negative about supply teaching, or working for an agency at all. Whilst we recognize that agency work isn’t right for everyone, it’s absolutely ideal for some, and gives you the flexibility that you just won’t find in other jobs. So, we want to talk about some of the myths surrounding supply teaching, and hopefully de-bunk them once and for all!
Myth: You have to accept every booking that you’re offered.
Truth: You only accept the bookings that are convenient for you. When suitable work comes in, and we see on our system that you’re available on that day, we will call you and offer you that work. However, this does not mean that you’re obliged to say yes - that’s the beauty of the flexibility of agency work. If plans have come up last minute, or you just don’t fancy working that day, then that’s absolutely fine. Another common misconception is that if you say no to a shift, then you’ll be less likely to be offered future shifts, but that’s not true. Doing day-to-day work with Staffroom Education is all about working on the days that suit you, and never having to work on the days that don’t. How about that for a great work-life balance!
Myth: You can’t choose which age range you work with.
Truth: We work with nursery, primary, and secondary schools, meaning that if there’s a particular age range that you’d like to work with, then you can. Likewise, if you’re not sure which age range you’d most like to work with, you’re more than welcome to try a bit of everything.
Myth: You can’t choose which schools you work with.
Truth: Whilst we can’t guarantee that your favourite school will always need supply on the days that you’re available, you can certainly specify which schools you enjoy working in the most. Likewise, if there were any schools that you weren’t so keen to work in, we’d never send you there!
Myth: You can’t choose which area you work in.
Truth: Yes you can! We work with schools across Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, and The Vale, but we’re not going to expect you to travel an hour to get to a school - unless you really want to of course! You let us know how many miles you’re willing to travel for work, whether that’s 2 or 20. Naturally, the further you’re willing to travel, the more work will be open to you, but the distance you’re happy to go is completely up to you.
Myth: Supply teachers don’t get offered permanent work.
Truth: Whilst we cannot guarantee an offer of permanent work, long-term candidates are often offered contracts from the school that they’re working in, leading to more permanent work.
Myth: Agencies take a percentage from your pay
Truth: Staffroom don’t take anything from your pay - what you earn is yours! Teaching Assistants are paid £75 per day, Cover Supervisors are paid £100 per day, Qualified Teachers are paid £140 per day, and our other roles are paid £12-£14 per hour.
If you have any questions about supply teaching work, or agency work in general, and would like to find out whether it’s right for you, please feel free to call us on 02920 496646, email us: info@staffroomeducation.co.uk, or leave your details below.