If you’re feeling overwhelmed by how to navigate the myriad of career options that are available through a teaching supply agency, check out this fantastic guide with the help of Elevate Supply. Perfect for all kinds of educators! 

We begin this guide by posing this question to you - have you ever considered the myriad of career options included within a supply teaching agency? The opportunities are quite frankly endless, and we’re here to break them down in this fantastic blog. 

You may simply think of a supply teaching agency as being for, you guessed it, supply teachers. However, there are many different levels to the role of a supply teacher and agencies can offer a variety of teaching positions that are there to help educators at different stages of their career. 

Here at Elevate Supply, we are passionate about providing our users with loads of important information to consider when it comes to exploring career options with a supply teaching agency. 

As an educator in the UK, one of the most flexible and diverse career paths you can pursue is through a supply teaching agency. 

When we first began our journey fourteen years ago, one of our core aims was to redefine the landscape of traditional supply teaching. Our ethos is to provide transparency, fairness and flexibility to all involved, and we think we have achieved our goal. 

By combining incredible technology with the insights of experienced educators and school leaders, we’ve formulated a model where every individual can access a seamless experience that integrates the importance of community and progression alike. This creates a win-win scenario for both teachers and schools, as educational institutions can rely on us to provide reliable and confident supply solutions. 

So, when it comes to exploring the career options available to you within a supply teaching agency, you’ve arrived at the right page. 

Whether you’re a newly qualified teacher (NQT), a seasoned educator looking for flexibility, or someone who wants to experience different school environments, supply teaching provides a valuable opportunity. So, let’s get into it! 

What is a supply teaching agency?

A supply teaching agency acts as an intermediary between educational institutions and educators, providing a flexible workforce to cover short-term staffing needs. This could be for a variety of reasons such as teacher absences, maternity leave or vacancies that require filling temporarily. 

Supply teaching roles are varied, ranging from daily cover to long-term placements. They can be across a range of schools, including primary, secondary, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provisions and alternative education settings. There are plenty of different opportunities depending on what you’re after. And we’re here to help! 

How do I find the best supply teaching agency near me?

If you’ve arrived at this page with the question, “Where’s the nearest supply teaching agency to me?”, we’ve read your mind. Just call us psychic! 

There are hundreds of supply agencies across the country, but how do you pick the right one? Well, luckily, we’re right here. Although we may not physically be on your doorstep, you can access everything you will need through our online platform. 

There are loads of benefits to choosing us to work alongside you during your supply teaching journey. We offer ongoing support, including access to a dedicated team for any questions or concerns you may have. 

So, if you’d like more information or support from our account managers, please email contact@elevatesupply.co.uk or call us on 0114 7008490. We look forward to your call!

We also offer plenty of freebies. Everyone loves a freebie, whether that’s in the form of a free platform or through a cheeky personalised travel mug. Luckily for you, we offer both of these things and more! 

When you join Elevate Supply, you’ll receive a free Welcome Pack worth over £100, including a travel mug, planner and handover report notepad. You’ll also receive a Twinkl Ultimate subscription with CPD training, Teach Meets and safeguarding certification! 

You can also take control and set your own rate of pay. We don't charge any hidden or agency fees, the fee you set is what you earn. This sets us aside from other platforms and we’re proud of this. 

Sounds great, how do I sign up? (PS - You’re right, I do love a freebie.) 

As an educator, all you have to do is begin your customised onboarding process so we can understand who you are and the types of roles you’re interested in. 

You can then complete our compliance processes so we can confirm important things such as your identity, experience and suitability. We’ll also be able to establish your right to work in the UK. Once you’re verified, you’ll be ready to set your availability and be offered appropriate roles. 

It’s that simple! 

Find out more here. 

What kind of supply teaching roles are available to me? 

Here at Elevate Supply, we can offer a broad range of opportunities suited to various experience levels and teaching preferences. We partner with primary, secondary and SEND schools nationwide. We’re constantly expanding our network, connecting with new schools each week. We aim to match you with the roles that align with your preferences and offer competitive pay as soon as possible. 

Read on to find out what kind of roles you may be interested in!

Daily supply teaching - 

Daily supply teaching is perhaps the most flexible and popular option for individuals within our community. As a daily supply teacher, you will be asked to cover lessons in schools for short periods, often at short notice. 

Your role will typically involve taking over an existing lesson plan and managing the class for the day. 

This role is ideal for educators looking for flexible work hours and the ability to choose when they work. Ideal for gaining experience in different environments, which enhances your adaptability and confidence. 

The benefits of supply teaching are endless. We’ve created this incredible blog that explains the positives behind the different kinds of roles, so read this next! 

Long-term supply teaching -

Long-term supply positions generally last from one term to an entire academic year! You’ll have a more structured role, similar to a permanent position, and may be expected to create lesson plans, mark students’ work and attend school events. 

This is an ideal option for teachers who want more consistent work and the opportunity to become more involved with the school community. 

You can also build a fantastic rapport with students in this role, as you’ll be a more permanent figure in their daily lives. This is also a great stepping stone to a permanent role. 

Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) supply teaching - 

If you have a passion for working with students who have special educational needs, supply teaching in an SEND environment can be incredibly rewarding. 

Many supply agencies offer placements in schools specifically designed for students with learning disabilities, autism, or other learning requirements. As a SEND supply teacher, you’ll need to tailor your approach to individual student requirements. 

This role also provides opportunities to specialise in a niche area. You may require additional qualifications or experience to work in this role, so keep that in mind when you’re searching for opportunities. 

Alternative provision (AP) teaching - 

Alternative provision schools have been designed for students who struggle to thrive in mainstream education due to behavioural or emotional difficulties. 

Working in an AP setting can be challenging but also incredibly fulfilling. Supply teachers in AP schools may work one-on-one with students or in small groups. 

You may also need to provide differentiated resources and tailor learning materials to meet the individual needs of the students. 

If you’d like some more information about this type of role, there are tons of Twinkl resources for you to check out, such as this Quality Assurance Checklist. 

These examples of different roles are just the beginning for you and your career as a supply teacher. 

For our final thoughts, we’d encourage you to take a look around our excellent website, as we can provide you with loads more information on a wide range of topics. We’d also encourage you to keep learning. 

Supply teaching can provide exposure to various teaching methods, but it’s also important to continue developing your own. Attend CPD events, read up on new educational trend forecasts and stay in the loop with any changes in curriculum or policy. 

You can do all of these things and more with Elevate Supply. Remember, by choosing the right agency, staying flexible and continuously improving your skills, you can build a fulfilling and dynamic career in the educational sphere.