As a supply educator, juggling daily responsibilities and maintaining a healthy work-life balance can sometimes feel overwhelming. With new placements, varying school environments, and the challenge of keeping up with professional demands, staying organised is key to thriving in this dynamic role.
At SupplyWell, we believe a well-balanced educator is a happier, more organised and effective educator. But sometimes building and maintaining a healthy work-life balance can feel overwhelming,
Here we’ve created some practical tips to help you stay organised and achieve a better work-life balance as a supply educator.
Plan Ahead, But Stay Flexible
The unpredictability of supply teaching can make planning tricky, but having a routine helps. Why not create a weekly structure for yourself, outlining:
- Morning Preparations: Set your clothes, pack your bag, and organise teaching resources the night before.
- Commute Time: Plan your route and leave a buffer for unexpected delays.
- After-School Tasks: Dedicate time for reflecting on the day, updating your CV or exploring future opportunities. Over on Teachers Matter, we have dedicated resources designed to help you write your educator CV.
While planning is important, be prepared to adapt. Each school may have different expectations, so keep a “go-to” set of activities and lesson plans that can be easily tailored to various year groups or subjects.
Build a Portable Organisation System
As a supply educator, you’re often on the move. A lightweight, portable organisation system is invaluable. Why not consider:
- An Educator’s Toolkit: Include essential stationery, stickers, quick worksheets, and other materials to ensure you’re ready for any classroom scenario.
- Digital Resources: Use cloud storage (like Google Drive) to keep lesson plans, templates, and certificates accessible anywhere. Take advantage of our free-of-charge resources over on Teachers Matter.
- Dedicated Supply Notebook: Keep track of dates, schools you’ve visited, and feedback for future reference requests.
Set Boundaries
Maintaining clear boundaries between work and personal life is essential for your mental wellbeing. Here are our top tips for setting boundaries:
- Limit Work Outside School Hours: Once you’ve completed your day, avoid overextending yourself with any school-related tasks at home.
- Saying No When Necessary: If an assignment conflicts with personal commitments, don’t hesitate to decline.
- Switch Off Notifications: Allocate specific times for checking emails etc. to avoid feeling “on-call” all the time.
Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself enables you to bring your best self to the classroom.
Prioritise Self-Care
Balancing work demands with self-care is critical. Make time for activities that recharge you:
- Exercise: Even a 20-minute walk can help clear your mind and reduce stress.
- Mindfulness Practices: Try meditation apps, journaling, or deep-breathing exercises. There are some great wellbeing and mindfulness resources available on Teachers Matter.
- Hobbies: Engage in something you love, whether it’s reading, painting, or cooking.
Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself enables you to bring your best self to the classroom.
Leverage Technology
Technology can simplify your life and help you stay organised. Some helpful tools include:
- Scheduling Apps: Apps like Google Calendar or Trello can help you manage your time effectively and help to stay organised.
- Educational Apps: Platforms like Teachers Matter, Twinkl or TES provide ready-to-use resources to save you preparation time.
- Communication Tools: SupplyWell’s platform ensures you stay connected with schools and find assignments that suit your availability.
- SupplyWell App: The SupplyWell app was designed to revolutionise the way supply educators find and manage work, offering a streamlined and efficient experience from sign-up to managing placements. So whether you’re a seasoned supply professional or just starting out, meet your one-stop shop for finding and managing your supply work.
Looking for more useful tech apps? Take a look at our blog to hear more about our favourite apps.
Seek Support
You’re not alone in your journey as a supply educator, don’t forget there’s a large community of colleagues for you to lean on for support:
- Colleagues: Connect with fellow educators for advice, lesson ideas, or simply to share experiences.
- Utilise SupplyWell: Our platform is designed to make your life easier, from finding the right assignments to supporting your professional development.
- Teachers Matter: Join in with our Chat space and Staff Room to exchange tips and resources with other supply teachers. Download the Circle app to have access on the go.
- Use your EAP: Every SupplyWell educator has access to our Employee Assistance Programme, which offers a range of support and resources from therapy to financial advice.
Celebrate Your Wins
Finally, take time to celebrate your achievements – big and small. Whether it’s delivering a successful lesson, receiving positive feedback from a school, or simply making it through a hectic week, acknowledging your efforts will boost your confidence and motivation.
We always love to hear your Teacher Wins, so make sure to share them with our team over on Teachers Matter.
By planning ahead, being organised, setting boundaries, and taking care of yourself, you can thrive in your role while enjoying the flexibility and variety that supply teaching offers.
At SupplyWell, we’re here to support you every step of the way. With our tools and resources, you can focus on what you do best – teaching – while maintaining the work-life balance you deserve.
Enjoyed this blog? Why not head over to Teachers Matter to find even more useful resources to support your wellbeing and equip you with tips to build a successful career as a supply educator.