In short supply - the everyday musings of a Supply Teacher

Today I was sent to another special school but this one specialised in ASD. I did not know this before I arrived but whatever I was expecting I wasn’t expecting what I found. Usually when I arrive at a school for supply I get quite a good feel for the school especially as it is usually first thing in the morning and there is chaotic sound of children/ parents/ teachers bustling about the place – here, there was calmness… what was this place? The calm atmosphere continued as I was escorted to the classroom through a myriad of corridors and was planted in a classroom with 10 students, 1 teacher and 2 Learning Assistants – I was to be the third today. There were comfy chairs at the front of the classroom all facing the whiteboard and the children were all sat, quietly talking amongst themselves with none of the usual silliness that I had seen from some classes first thing on a Monday morning. I was greeted by all the kids and had to ask – what was this place? All the students in...

I sometimes feel that no one really knows what it is like unless you work as a supply teacher in schools. They are the people that are the shadows in the staff room, the teachers that no one talks to and the one, that if really unlucky, the students really don't respond to. I have been a supply teacher before now and worked in a range of different settings. However, I thought it was about time to share my experiences about supply teaching in case anyone else was thinking about it and wants to know what to expect. I only work for one agency and will do for as long as I can. I will work wherever I am sent and will try and make the best out of any situation. I will never name schools or pupils or anything that might identify that school in particular. I will also never name members of staff. This is not a place to judge - just a place to share.