Six-and-a-half tips to make your first supply education gig amazing

Congratulations on landing your first supply gig. Woo-hoo!

Now, are you completely, utterly, and systematically ready to absolutely crush your first-ever supply gig? 

No? 

Well, we’ve got you covered. Woo-hoo!

Sure, it can be a bit overwhelming to walk into a new classroom or nursery and take on the crucial role of educator, especially if it’s your first time. But with a little prep and some tips from experienced educators, you can feel confident and ready to nail your first day. 

And here they are.

One

Familiarise yourself with the school, nursery and classroom. 

This includes things like the dress code, behaviour expectations, and emergency procedures. It’s important to make sure you understand the rules and regulations so you can set clear expectations for your children and create a safe and orderly learning environment.

And when you work with Humly, you’ll always get a detailed bio of every room you step into through our app. Always setting you up for success is just one of the ways we’re revolutionising education.

Two

Get to know the children. 

Try to find out as much as you can about them: their names, ages, and any relevant information about their learning needs or behaviours. This will dramatically help you build rapport with them, plus give you the insights you need to tailor your lessons to their needs.

Three

Plan your own lessons. 

Even if you’re only teaching for a day or two, it’s important to have a clear plan for what you’ll be doing. This can help you stay organised and ensure you make the most of your time with the children. 

And if you have access to the regular or previous teacher’s lesson plans, take a peek at those to get a sense of what has been covered in the past and what might be coming up in the future.

Four

Bring your own supplies. 

Make sure you have all the materials you need for your lessons, including pencils, pens, paper, and any other materials specific to your subject area. It’s always better to have and not need than need and not have. 

So bring a little extra, just in case.

Five

Be flexible. 

As a supply educator, you may be walking into a classroom or nursery with very little notice and without much information about what you’ll be doing. Be prepared to adapt to changing situations and be open to modifying your lesson plans if necessary.

Six

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about something, ask for assistance. The school staff, and the other educators, are valuable resources for answering questions and providing guidance. But only if you use them. 

So use them.

Six-and-a-half

Have fun. 

Of course, you’re here to do a job and be professional, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bring your passion and love of education into it – it’s actually why you should.

If you love what you’re doing, show it. Your children will sense it too, and enjoy the experience all the more.

Now you’re ready

Well, almost.

Remember, your first day as a supply educator will be a learning experience, and it’s okay to make mistakes. 

That deserves repeating: It’s okay to make mistakes. 

But as long as you come prepared and are open to adapting to new situations, you’ll be well on your way to successfully crushing your first-ever supply gig. And every one after that.

Now, you’re ready.