Introduction
With the teacher recruitment and retention crisis in the UK continuing to put pressure on schools, it’s now essential to think about how to make your school stand out to teachers, especially those joining for the first time. A teacher may be with you for a short term supply role or a longer-term contract – either way, the initial experience plays a huge part in shaping their perception of the school.
Teachers who feel welcomed, supported, and valued are far more likely to return or even consider applying for a longer term role.
In this post, we’ll look at practical steps schools can take to create a positive first impression, building a reputation as a place where teachers want to be, and where they’ll feel supported in their roles, no matter the duration.
Make Teachers Feel Welcome From the Start
First impressions are crucial. As soon as a teacher walks through the door, they should feel welcomed and part of the team. A friendly greeting and introductions to key staff members can make a huge difference.
Taking the time to show them around, especially pointing out essentials like the toilets, staff room, and printer, along with answering any questions they may have, also helps set a positive tone from the very start.
It’s also helpful to ensure that staff are ready to greet supply teachers promptly upon arrival, so they’re not left waiting at the entrance. This allows them valuable time to prepare and familiarise themselves with the school and class before the children arrive.
Supply teaching can sometimes be a lonely job, particularly when going into unfamiliar schools on a daily basis. A positive, welcoming environment can really help and sets the tone for a supply teacher’s experience. Encourage staff and students to treat all newcomers and visitors with warmth and friendliness, making them feel at home in the school community.
Set Teachers Up for Success
To help supply teachers feel prepared and supported, start by providing a welcome pack. This should include essential information such as a site map, timetable, emergency procedures, and login details, along with contact information for key staff members like the headteacher, department / key stage lead, DSL and admin office. This ensures that teachers have all the necessary resources at their fingertips.
It’s important to provide background information on the class they’ll be working with. Share class lists, outline any additional support needs, and provide a brief guide to your behaviour policies. This helps teachers understand expectations and manage the classroom smoothly, creating a consistent environment for the children.
If possible, provide a seating plan (applicable in primary schools). This small detail can be incredibly helpful, as it helps teachers learn children’s names quickly. When children feel recognised by name, it boosts their confidence and helps with behaviour management. It also ensures teachers can easily identify who to invite to contribute during class discussions.
Make sure lesson plans, resources, and timetables are easily accessible for supply teachers. This allows them to get straight to teaching without any added stress, ensuring a smooth start to their day.
Provide a Support Network
Make sure new teachers know exactly where to turn for support by assigning a specific contact they can reach out to with any questions or concerns. This might be a senior teacher, department lead, or key member of staff who can provide insights on classroom management and daily routines.
In addition, a simple check-in from a member of staff during the day can mean a lot. It gives the teacher an opportunity to ask questions, discuss concerns, or even enjoy a quick friendly chat, as they would with a regular member of staff.
For those on longer placements, consider pairing them with a staff buddy who can provide insight into school policies, planning expectations, and offer general support. This ensures teachers feel prepared and valued from day one.
Show Appreciation
A quick “thank you” at the end of the day goes a long way in making supply teachers feel appreciated and valued. It reinforces the school’s positive atmosphere and can leave a lasting impression. You could also consider asking for any feedback on their experience. This lets them know their thoughts matter and that you’re committed to making adjustments to improve the experience for all staff.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to attracting and keeping great teachers, it really is the little things that make the biggest difference. By offering a warm welcome, giving clear resources, and showing genuine support, you’re helping teachers feel part of the team. This approach doesn’t just make a good first impression; it builds a reputation for your school as a place where teachers are treated well and set up to succeed. When teachers feel like they belong, they’ll be eager to return and recommend your school to others.
If you’re looking for great teachers, we can help! Contact us to explore how we can support you in finding the right teacher for your school.
