Further education teacher tips

10 Survival Tips for Supply Teaching in Further Education

Further education like the other education sectors has been affected by the pandemic. However, there are lots of opportunities for a variety of teaching and technical support posts. As a further education supply teacher, you will have a varied age range of students. You will also have mixed abilities and therefore there will be different aspects of teaching to other sectors. At the same time, some things in teaching never change no matter who it is you are teaching. However, it may be that you have to slightly adapt to the age group you are teaching. Here are some further education teacher tips.

Here are our Further Education Teacher Tips

1. First impressions matter.
   Getting off to a good start is important because first impressions matter. Students arriving at a class for the first time may be nervous and need to be put at ease. You also want to present your subject in the most interesting means possible to grab their attention. Prepare well to engage them and motivate them; you also need to generate a sense of confidence to demonstrate that you are the expert.
2. Challenging individuals?
   No matter what age group you are teaching, individuals can present with challenging behaviour. I am sure you will know it is a common feature of any group and the classroom is no exception. Re-iterating boundaries and guidance in a gentle but firm manner generally to the class can be helpful. In addition, you can try to specifically engage and motivate the individual who is presenting as challenging. Ultimately you always have the option of trying to talk to them individually with an emphasis on ways to help them.
3. Demonstrate your enthusiasm.
   If you do not present your subject with enthusiasm, students can quickly feel bored and uninspired. You should always teach a subject that you feel passionate about. You will be a happier teacher and therefore students are more likely not only to learn but also want to learn from you.
4. Digital capability?
   You will always experience a varied ability in technology, especially with older students. Variations in age groups mean differences in digital capability. It is worth checking with students how adept they are with online platforms and using digital resources. You will want to support those who need extra digital help.
5. Balance feedback to include the positive and the negative.
   Everyone needs a confidence boost when they are learning something new, no matter what the age group. Although you may immediately identify what a student needs to improve on, it’s important to ‘couch’ feedback with a positive first. By doing this, you are helping them to keep engaged. Also, they are more likely to remain motivated and ‘hear’ the feedback being said or written and take it on board.

   More tips to help you save time and have a work/life balance

1. Time management.
   Plan your time carefully and be smart about lesson planning.  Your lesson planning can be the most time-consuming elements of teaching that can spill over into your home life. Be careful what you commit to; this may been saying ‘no’ to requests. Manage the ‘hotspots’ of when you know you are going to be busier and prepare in advance.
2. Smart marking.
   Marking can be a very time consuming task than can eat up into your time at home. Digital platforms, online learning and quizzes can be a time saving support mechanism to aid marking tasks.  However, remember to check the digital capability of the group you are working with as abilities may vary.
3. Work life balance.
   You having a good work/life balance is essential for your resilience and longevity as a teacher. Give yourself permission to have boundaries about work. You need time with family as well as having time your own for ‘you time’ whether its engaging in your hobbies or meeting friends.
4. Connect with others.
   Now more than ever, many further education teachers can feel isolated due to the pandemic. You can make sure you stay connected to people, but especially colleagues. Connecting with teachers with similar experiences to your own for  peer support. They can also  help you with ideas, inspiration and just someone to share your  ‘moans’ with.
5. Being organised.
   No matter what age group your class, the demands of teaching are many, so being organised is essential for good quality teaching and for your own resilience levels.

You can learn more on how you can become a further education  on the government website by clicking  here