Help! Can't manage class!

[MikeAych]

After a short career break I've returned to teaching via supply work but I keep not getting asked back! The most common feedback is that my classroom management isn't up to par, but I managed it before! I seem to have forgotten how to do it!

I expect 100% compliance, I'm very positive, make the rules clear, give incentives for the end of the day, apply behaviour policy (although rarely a school uses it as ti describes on their website,) but still pupils choose to ignore me!

I don't know what I'm doing wrong, or what I should be don't and am not.

Any advice would be appreciated!

Maybe just have a read up on some behaviour management 'tactics' and ask for the schools behaviour policy. I know, more often than not, are a pain in the bum for supply so it does make your job even more tricky!

On another note, the schools should be supporting you, even if you are there for short period of time! Hope things work out :)

Is it primary or secondary? I have done some primary supply teaching in the past and you do have to go in really firm and stay like that all day - behaviour management has to be a lot stronger than if you were already known in the school and have your reputation to go on. I don't mean in a shouty way as I am quite quiet and calm in my approach. I'm thinking more of year 6 here but even with younger year groups, they don't know you so will be pushing boundaries. Every teacher will have a different way of how they get the whole class paying attention and keeping them on task.What worked for you before? I can make suggestions if it's primary. It could be that you are going in to particularly challenging classes.
I agree that the schools you go into should be supporting by letting you know of any procedures to follow so the behaviour policy is being applied consistently.

Primary. I suppose I knew the classes before and was known in the school, so I didn't need to be so firm. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

As Supply kids take advantage. It's much tougher.

If you're in Primary/ SEN there are 2 types of TA.

Golden, wonderful (95 per cent)

Active saboteurs (1 per cent..). (For pedants - missing 4 per cent I'm not sure..)

Percentages more even for Permanent Teachers...

Dont take any comments to heart.

Some adults in schools are incredibly rude and undermining to Supply Teachers. In all probability they have never had to go into a class with a big bright "Visitor" badge on....

Believe in yourself.

You are doing a great job.

There are schools with 2 Behaviour Policies - official (for Ofsted) and actual...

Actual Behaviour Policies can boil down to "Supply teachers can't expect Behaviour Policy to be followed up.

One school I was at promised to deal with a pupil who had threatened me. I was very upset but stayed the day . On leaving "Ah, we haven't followed that up yet"....

Not the only instance by a long way....

There are schools that don't want me back. There are schools which do ask for me.

There will be schools that appreciate your high standards. Hang on in there...

Good luck.

Supply taught in 7 schools this year after a career break, average rural/town comps.
Discipline poor to terrible in most classes year 7-11. You have to be very strict to manage, and keeping that up is extremely hard. Even then schools seldom impose their behaviour policy strictly (there’d be no pupils left!), and variable lesson plans, not knowing names, and just being ‘supply’ makes it a borderline impossible job at times. Keeping order takes most of your energy; teaching anything is an occasional extra if you’re lucky.
Ten years ago I had 2-3 tough kids a class, now it’s 5-10. Similar number ready to learn, but little chance they will. My classroom control is average to good but still I fail in most lessons. Currently in a school where I get supported but lessons still mostly poor. Other 6 schools minimal support the norm.
It’s not you trust me. It’s the way it seems to have gone. Classes can at times be brought into line, but it’s tough. Don’t blame yourself and expect to be worn down by it. I manage 3 days a week, just.