How many observations are ok for supply teachers.

[superstarheartbreaker]

1 a week at the moment!

[PatTheHammer]

Is one a week the normal school policy for all the teachers, including any long term supply?

Jeez, it does make me wonder how the bloody hell people have time for this. Who's covering their classes whilst they do all this observation? Or if they have that much free time why not teach the classes themselves and not bother getting a supply teacher.

Seriously, we have 2 observations a year. Slightly more if you are an NQT.

[superstarheartbreaker]

I'm fed up tbh as this was not what I signed up for. I really want to leave tbh. I've told the agency.

[rollonthesummer]

Who is observing you and why?

[PatTheHammer]

It sounds crap but can you sit it out till end of term? 4 weeks left, 4 obs? Then you get a decent reference?

Are the obs actually helpful in any way?

[superstarheartbreaker]

They are sort of but there is criticism too. First obs was very negative. Second obs was much more positive.

[superstarheartbreaker]

In other words criticism is at last constructive.

[PatTheHammer]

Is it the same person? I just think you ought to ask them if its ordinary practise to observe once a week or if they are making an exception for you as you are supply and perhaps they weren't convinced after the first observation?

Tbh we have quite a few long term supply teachers at the moment as a fair few people have gone on maternity leave. I would be surprised if they had been observed more than once.

[PatTheHammer]

Legally of course you should consult your union if you think it's not above board.

[cardibach]

Observation of supply? Is that even a thing?

[MissMillament]

I taught a whole term of supply last year and was never observed. I was a bit annoyed actually.