Words are important and the subtlety of some phrases can say a lot subconsciously. The term ‘work-life balance’ has been increasingly used and embedded into company cultures and referred to as being important. But why does ‘work’ come first in this phrase? Why do we not say life-work balance? After all your life comes first and then work should fit into this, not the other way around.
Usually, it’s when something is wrong like we are stressed, suffering with depression or feel chronically unhappy that we take a good look at our lifestyle to try to understand and address what is the cause of it. Today, there can be a variety of underlining reasons, but being under pressure through work and managing family needs can be a daily anxiety spike, however, at least now companies are more accountable for workload pressures etc. and take well-being more seriously.
Teaching has been commonly understood to be a very rewarding job but also a stressful one, and that’s where supply teaching can be a great job to have so that work adapts to your life and not the other way around. Offering you flexibility as to what hours you work with less workload pressure, leaves you in control. The choice of different sectors, roles, location and types of schools or colleges offers a great sense of variety, an important ingredient for job satisfaction. You get an insight into varying management strategies and cultures at first hand and can try out different year groups, developing new skills which can enhance your CV and enrich your experience.
We have explained below, the types of assignments that can fit around your life.
Daily assignments: This is where you will be asked to be up and ready on a standby team.
Schools can ring for cover from 6.30am and may ask you to attend school that day to cover an absence. It’s a good way to keep busy and introduce yourself to the schools in your local area.
Short term assignments: This can range from a few days up to a few weeks. This is normally pre-arranged and you would be expected to fully commit to the role and attend for the duration.
Long term assignments: This can range from 6 weeks up to a full academic year and beyond. The expectations of a member of supply staff on a long-term assignment differs from school to school. Generally, a supply teacher undertaking a long-term assignment will be expected to:
- Plan lessons
- Mark work regularly
- Monitor pupils’ progress and take part in assessments
- Keep accurate records
- Participate in staff meetings and parents’ evenings
- Undertake any duties required by the headteacher
Remember working with an agency who specialise in education recruitment means your consultant will be on your wavelength, understand your needs and is more skilled in placing you in schools that will be right for you.