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|Updated: 4 August 2023
Being a substitute teacher, or cover teacher, is a good way to keep yourself busy and actively involved in your career and in working with students. Like most jobs, it has its advantages and disadvantages, but for me the advantages outweigh the negatives. I have been doing covers for the past 4 years and will outline what I consider to be the major pros and cons that the job throws up.
Firstly, let’s look at the cons.
If you want or need a regular set monthly income being a cover is not going do that for you. As you only get paid for the days you work your monthly income is never predictable. Sometimes you will know well in advance that you are needed to go to a school, other days you will get very short notice. On days that I have no advanced bookings, I’m usually up and partly organized just in case. One day you could be working with upper elementary students, the next kindergarten kids so being open and flexible is a big plus. Initially, when doing covers you will be going to schools that you have never been to before. This can be quite stressful, but you will find that most schools are very supportive and helpful. Obviously the school will know you are coming so finding your way around will not be an issue. To be totally honest, while this is the case in the vast majority of schools, it is not true for few who will do next to nothing to assist you through your first cover at their site. I find that is you smile, look lost and ask questions there will be someone who will help you out. Most teachers who you are covering for will supply some basic notes for you, so again being open and flexible really helps. The students you will be working with for the day don’t know you and you don’t know them which can be both an advantage and a disadvantage at the same time. Here classroom and behaviour management strategies come to the foreground.
Now let’s look at the pros.
You are in and out. I am able to leave after my last lesson has been delivered and not follow school based clock in and out times. You have no lesson plans and other documentation to do and little marking. I always try and mark all the work I have done during the cover day though. You are free from school politics and drama, which can be a huge plus at times. You come with a clean slate and can have a rewarding and positive experience. Obviously the more times you work in a particular school, the easier it gets as you know the school environment and the students.
For me, the advantages certainly outweigh the disadvantages. Different work site, different people, different students and grade levels can be challenging, but interesting and rewarding. Another plus is that you can always say no if you don’t want to go to work on any given day. You won’t get paid, but you have the freedom to make that choice.
Once you have got passed the initial stress of getting to the school for the first time, finding your way around things tend to fall into place.
What I do the first time I am in a class.
When I enter a classroom I write my name on the board and then get the students to stand and say good morning. I very briefly explain who I am and why I am in their lesson. I list my behavioural expectations and attention seeking strategy on the board before any work is started. I list only 2 expectations these being we all use manners and respect at all times during the lesson. Use generally use a 3,2,1,0 Stop and listen countdown for when I want all the students’ attention. I will not start talking until all are focused and don’t mind singling out a student who doesn’t immediately comply. This may take 5 or 10 minutes, but it is really worth it in the long run. Then it’s down to the set work.
Be aware that your reputation as a cover teacher is important if you want call backs, so having a quiet, organized and productive classroom is important.
As I said before, the vast majority of schools will be very helpful and the vast majority of absent teachers will supply you with notes for you to follow.
I have really enjoyed the 4 years I have been working as a cover teacher. The pros really do outweigh the cons that come with the job. I being a cover teacher suits your circumstances, go for it.
