Hate being cover supervisor

[Newsummernightsdream]

I left my job three years ago. I've been doing supply and hate it. I miss being part of a team and the students. I seem to get through to interviews but just can't get a job. It's so disappointing and depressing. I'm M6 and I hate sitting in interviews competing with teachers twenty years younger. How can I help myself?

Do you just do adhoc daily cover at different schools or have you ever done a long term placement, such as a maternity cover or long-term sick leave?

When I did a stint of supply, I asked my agency to put me forward for any long term roles which came up in my preferred year groups. I got given a maternity cover after a couple of months and it was so much nicer than just adhoc supply as I finally felt part of a team again and finally felt like I had my own class again. I was offered a permanent contract at the end of it so it's definitely a good way of getting your foot in the door, as you have a chance to impress SLT long before the interview stage.

Many schools approach agencies now to cover maternity leave, rather than advertising so there should be opportunities out there if you ask for them. Obviously it comes with a lot more responsibility than daily adhoc supply, as you're planning, marking, assessing etc and attending staff meetings, but it's definitely the route I'd advise if you're looking to feel part of a team again and have the chance of impressing in order to get something permanent.

Another bonus to starting as a maternity cover is that you're not obliged to stay on if it's not the right school for you. You get to shop around and find somewhere you really fit in.

I have been doing some maternity leaves, thanks. I'm going back to general cover in the new year so I think that's why I'm feeling like this. It's hard when you're constantly moving on

Unfortunately, my agency has not got anything for me so I'm stuck

Have you considered applying for promoted roles? Often this is the most effective way to distance yourself from the much younger teachers who are applying for mainstream classroom teaching roles.

Hi

I’ve been doing Supply for 10 years following a long career break. I think I’ve put up with too much for too long. I have to acknowledge that the flexibility was useful - though it often seems to be a one way street.

I agree with ThanksItHasPockets that it might be worth going for a promotion. I got an interview for a promoted position during my career break when it briefly looked like my husband would be made redundant.

Have you considered SEN work? I know it’s not for everyone but I have been offered a permanent job.

Some schools are advertising for casual bank teachers and offering to pay to scale. You may need to wait a while before you can apply. The school I applied to had to tell me to wait a year because of their contract with my agency.

Alternatively, if you can afford it, accept short term work and try to retrain in another career.

I think there will be a sudden crisis as downward pressure on pay and conditions meets an increasing shortage of Supply Teachers. Though I’ve been thinking this since pre-COVID. Pay did go up for a while but some schools (agency?) seem to be trying it on again in terms of pay.

Good luck.

Thanks very much, these are really good suggestions.