Are you thinking of entering into the world of teaching and want to develop your classroom experience? Working as a Cover Supervisor might be an excellent place for you to start, especially if you’ve just recently graduated.

In this blog, we'll dive into what this role entails, why it's an excellent choice for graduates, and answer some frequently asked questions about it.

What is a Cover Supervisor?

A Cover Supervisor is a member of school staff who steps in when a teacher is absent. The main role of a Cover Supervisor is to ensure that students continue their learning in a structured and productive manner. They supervise classes, manage behaviour, and follow the lesson plans left by the absent teacher. While Cover Supervisors don’t need to plan lessons, you’ll need to collect any work that has been completed and return it to the appropriate teacher.

Why is being a Cover Supervisor a Good Choice for Graduates?

You’ll Gain Valuable Experience: Working as a Cover Supervisor provides a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in a classroom setting. This experience can be invaluable if you're considering a career in teaching.

You Can Enjoy a Flexible Schedule: Working as a Cover Supervisor with Smile means you can tell us which days and times you’d like to work, making it easier to balance your role with further studies.

You’ll Make a Difference: You'll have a direct impact on students' education, helping them stay on track even when their regular teacher is absent. It's a rewarding feeling knowing you're contributing to their achievements!

You’ll Develop Your Skills: You'll hone your communication, time management, and classroom management skills – qualities that are highly valuable to your future career as a teacher.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need experience to be a Cover Supervisor?

No, you don't need teaching experience, but you will typically need to have experience working within schools or with children/young people. This could include play schemes, sports coaching, drama workshops, school roles and more.

2. What qualifications do you need to be a Cover Supervisor?

Specific requirements may vary by school, but you’ll need to be educated to a high level. Some schools may specify that you need a degree.

3. Do Cover Supervisors have to create lesson plans?

No, Cover Supervisors aren’t responsible for lesson planning. Your role is to oversee the class and ensure that students follow the lesson plans that are already provided for you.

4. Is being a Cover Supervisor a full-time job?

Cover Supervisor roles can be both full-time and part-time, depending on the school's needs and your preferences.

5. What is the career progression like for a Cover Supervisor?

While not a teaching position, working as a Cover Supervisor can be a great stepping stone to other roles in education, such as becoming a teaching assistant or pursuing teacher training.

Cover Supervisor Jobs in the UK

Becoming a Cover Supervisor is an excellent choice for recent graduates who are eager to kickstart their careers and make a positive impact on young minds. It offers a unique blend of challenges and rewards, providing you with essential skills and experience along the way.

Looking for work as a Cover Supervisor and want to know where to start? Take a look at our current Cover Supervisor roles in the Midlands and across Greater Manchester to learn more about what your future could look like.

If you’d like to speak to a consultant about registering with us, you can also call 0121 392 6570.