Forum Topic: discipline as a supply teacher

Discussion

• Posted by: Bashful at at 07 February 2008 - 20:22

  Here is my distilled supply wisdom, for what it’s worth.

  Before going into class: Have a list of questions for whoever your mentor is. This isn’t too hard to put together; just think about what you’d like to know and write it down. Refine your list as you get more experience. Ask things like, “If I need support who should I go to? Where is s/he? How do I contact them?” The prepared questions make you look like you know what you’re doing and have done it lots before. Get whatever guidance they give supply teachers as early as possible and READ IT! Big schools often have books for this, with maps and procedures.

  In Class: Remember, you’re in charge. Make that point. I learned from a someone smarter than me that it’s worth starting with just three rules: (1) stay in your seat (2) keep yourself to yourself and (3) listen to whoever is supposed to be speaking. Until you’re familiar with how things work, it’s worth keeping those three rules strictly. If they need something, get it for them. You have to be pretty active, but it’s worth it to avoid the problems movement can cause. Don’t be scared of taking charge: it’s actually what you’re there for. You can’t get the work done until you and they are where you need them to be.

  Above all, remember that the beauty of supply is that, if you feel like you’re not getting the support you need, raise it with management. If it’s still not forthcoming, you simply decline to work at that school again. They need you; if they didn’t, they wouldn’t be paying you.

  Hope that helps.

  Yours bashfully.

• Posted by: Nemo81 at at 13 February 2008 - 14:21

  It can be very tough managing behaviour on supply but i always found that going in being extremely positive is thet best way. I find armed with praise and a wallet full of stickers I never go far wrong!

• Posted by: Bashful at at 13 February 2008 - 14:46

  Hey, who doesn’t like stickers?

  Do you think this strategy would work on first dates too? Positivity and stickers….hmmm. Might go something like this:

  “You’re here on time! And you’re gorgeous! Have a sticker! Hey, where are you going?”

• Posted by: Bashful at at 13 March 2008 - 21:41
  <tumble-weed>

  Man, this is the quietest forum I’ve ever been on. I guess no one is signing up.

  Well, Abyssinia…

• Posted by: Jilly J at at 13 March 2008 - 23:30

  Or maybe we are all just busy? That’s the problem with teaching eh? That the only time I get to peruse such sites is half 11 at night!

• Posted by: cycliststeve at at 20 May 2008 - 09:42

  That’s why I’m giving up teaching in July. The stupidly long hours for ungrateful parents to criticise everything. There must be a more gratifying job.

• Posted by: Carebear at at 23 May 2008 - 11:50

  cycliststeve – have you considered becoming a motivational speaker? Thanks for those words of encouragement!