Thinking of applying as a cover supervisor and then PGCE

[Changebagsandgladrags]

I've just finished my degree, and in October I am thinking of applying for a PGCE in Maths.

However, I've just noticed that one of the local secondary schools is advertising for a cover supervisor, PGCE not necessary. I was thinking of applying for it and doing that for a year, or longer.

I used to work as a lunchtime supervisor in a primary school. I know it's not the same age group, but hopefully would count in some way.

Am I fooling myself that I could get this job? What sort of people do this job? Any tips?

[superram]

In our school it is done by exteachers that have had enough. Go for it, will give you an idea of if teaching is for you.

[PrincessHairyMclary]

In my school it's done by those who are interested in teaching, many have then been financed to do their teacher training by the school.

[Changebagsandgladrags]

If I could do my training there then that would be brilliant, it's an excellent school. But I'm also going to apply to the Institute of Mathematics for a scholarship.

The ex-teacher thing was what I thought...

[ScottishG]

It's not an easy job. Be prepared to have a nightmare Autumn term as the little dears test out the "new cover teacher" Great classroom experience though and no marking and minimal lesson prep. required.

[noblegiraffe]

Why would you want to be a poorly paid cover supervisor instead of cracking on with your PGCE where they throw money at you because you're maths?

[Changebagsandgladrags]

I don't want to rush into a PGCE starting in September. I'd like to build up a good amount of school experience first.

[noblegiraffe]

But being dumped in a classroom with a bunch of kids who immediately see it as a doss lesson and you as someone who doesn't know what they are doing is possibly not the experience you would be hoping for.

[Bue]

I also can't see why this is a better idea than cracking on with a PGCE (if you are fairly sure teaching is what you want to do). Do you have a 2:1 or higher from a good uni?

[Changebagsandgladrags]

I have a 2.1 from the Open University. I don't have any secondary school experience bar one day in school about 5 days ago. I was going to spend the next school year doing a few days here and there on local schools. But then I saw this job advertised.

Another reason. I want to apply for s scholarship. They've all been awarded this year. Yes I'd still get the bursary though.

Another reason: I might hate the cover job and decide not to do PGCE.

[Changebagsandgladrags]

5 years ago not 5 days...

[theundecided]

I did this for a year before my PGCE. It's a good idea- you will know if you really want to teach by the end of it and you will be able to have a go at getting some classroom management skills. I would recommend it

[Spam88]

You'll get paid better doing a PGCE and will have no trouble getting on to a course, so I don't really see the point to be honest. Working as a cover supervisor isn't going to give you any insight into the workload involved in teaching, which is the hardest thing.

[Changebagsandgladrags]

I don't want to go into the PGCE immediately. I want a break and just work without study for a bit. Been studying for 17 years, I'd like to read a book without feeling like I'm procrastinating...