Supply teaching vs. permanent teaching jobs
As a recently-qualified teacher entering the job market, you have the option of seeking either permanent employment or offering your services as a supply teacher. Regardless of what subjects you intend to specialise in or at which level of schooling you are qualified to teach (primary or secondary school, for example), you will find that ample temporary and permanent positions are available in the United Kingdom.
The majority of education and teaching graduates opt for full-time jobs, but there are those who choose to work as supply teachers instead. These temporary jobs tend to be flexible and less demanding than permanent teaching posts; however, supply teachers are rarely assured a stable income due to the transient nature of their posts. As there are benefits and drawbacks to both types of employment, it is important that you choose the right one when embarking upon your teaching career.
Temporary vs. full-time posts: Key correlations and differences
There are several similarities between supply teaching posts and permanent positions in the education sector. Both require relevant teaching qualifications, such as university degrees or college diplomas focusing on teaching and education. Some newly qualified teachers further their studies with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
Moreover, those keen to teach primary school pupils must have obtained A to C grades in GCSE English, mathematics and science, as primary school teachers are generally responsible for teaching all areas of junior education. Secondary school teachers instruct one or more national curriculum subject, and thus require expertise in a number of specific subjects.
It is also essential that both permanent and supply teachers gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) if they intend to instruct at state schools in England and Wales. QTS is awarded to those individuals who meet required professional standards that deem them qualified to instruct in maintained (state) schools, or non-maintained special schools. Teachers who do not have QTS are unable to register with the General Teaching Council for England (GTC), and thus cannot be hired to teach in state schools. It is also necessary to obtain your unique teacher reference number from the GTC, which will remain unchanged throughout your teaching career.
However, while permanent and supply teachers require similar qualifications and undergo the same formal approval processes, the types of jobs they undertake – and the advantages and downsides of each contract type –differ markedly in a number of aspects, including:
-
Remuneration
-
Working Hours
-
Leave (including annual, maternity and sick leave)
-
Job Security
Whereas permanent teaching positions offer stability and, generally, job security, supply jobs are far more unpredictable. A supply teacher may find him or herself filling in for a teacher for a day, a month, or even an entire term. However, there may be times when his or her services are not required for a significant period of time. This means that supply teachers cannot rely on obtaining a set salary every month, as they are only paid as and when their services are utilised. Furthermore, temporary teachers are not afforded such benefits as maternity leave or pension schemes, and are not entitled to salaries during holiday periods.
Enjoy flexibility and variety as a supply teacher in the UK
However, despite these drawbacks, there are several advantages to working in temporary teaching posts. Supply teachers are often able to choose where and when they work, effectively enjoying flexibility and a diverse array of work experiences. Furthermore, they generally do not need to do any administrative work, and often have fewer responsibilities than their permanent counterparts.
Although supply teachers do not earn a salary during school holidays, their annual or daily rates generally include a portion of “holiday pay”. The National Union of Teachers explains that this is due to the fact that permanent educators work 195 days per year, and supply teachers earn (per day of work) 1/195th of the annual salary paid to full-time teachers. Supply teachers could earn up to £145 per day; however, those who secure their jobs through agencies could find themselves earning far less than permanent teachers.
Gain work experience through supply teaching
If you are completing the final year of your teaching qualification, you may be eligible to work as a supply teacher at various schools throughout the United Kingdom. Your age, degree and GCSE grades will be taken into consideration (candidates usually have to be 24 years of age or older), and many educational institutes insist that you are nominated by a Designated Recommending Body (DRB) or Recommending Body (RB).
This type of employment-based training is best suited to teaching students completing a postgraduate qualification, such as a graduate teaching programme (GTP). Schools who employ GTP students receive £13 000 per person per year in order to cover the cost of candidates’ salaries. In this way, both the school and the trainee teacher benefit from the programme, making it the ideal training opportunity for nearly-qualified teachers.
Find your dream teaching job today – browse our frequently updated teaching jobs section for teaching vacancies in and around London.
