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?

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.

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.

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...

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.

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?

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.

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.

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?

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.

5 years ago not 5 days...

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

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.

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...