Supply teaching is an excellent option for many qualified teachers wanting flexible work. It can be a good way of ingratiating yourself to a new school, or a great opportunity to earn some extra money. Whatever stage you’re at in your teaching career, supply teaching is an option that can be beneficial. Here are some of the ways supply teaching can help you:

• Added flexibility. Supply teaching gives you the ability to choose your own schedule. You can accept work on the days you want to and have a break from teaching if you need some time to yourself.
• Easy integration into a new school/ area. If you’re moving to a new part of the UK, you might find it easier to get supply work. This will help you get to know the schools in the area and to have an idea of where you want to work. Alternatively, if you want to work in a specific school but there are no openings, you may be able to get temporary supply work there. This is a very good way to meet the people in charge and make sure they remember you.
• Allows you to cut your hours. If you are close to retiring or want to work part time around other commitments, supply work could be the ideal option for you.
• Presents a new challenge. This can be perfect if you want to try something new and get some more experience. Working in new schools with different pupils every day will help to make you a versatile and well-rounded teacher.
• Helps you to learn. If you’re a newly qualified teacher, you may want to consider supply teaching to get as much experience as possible. It will help you to learn how to work with different groups of students in many different environments.

Think about the benefits of supply teaching, and consider it for your next teaching career move.