Any secondary teachers doing supply?

[sarahalloween]

OK I have just over a week to decide whether to hand in my notice for after Christmas. I've not been happy since going back after having DS2 and I really feel that I would be happier without the whole exam pressure and the other issues which are getting me down.
DS1 ended up in hospital yesterday having to have a general anaesthetic to stich up his tongue (ouch)and the support i got from my line manager ( a good friend out of work I have to admit) was to ask about the cover work I would leave I can't believe that as I'm waiting for DS to go to theatre that I meant to be arranging bloody cover lessons. That's just tipped me over the edge in a situation I am finding more and more difficult to cope with.
So I'm pretty certain that I would be happier doing supply, but any thoughts from anyone who does it would be much appreciated.

[incy]

Don't do supply but am also a teacher considering making the change. My DS was in hospital at the start of term and their only concern was to write me a letter telling me I would not be paid. There was a thread on this same topic a while ago for a primary teacher and I think Malory gave some excellent advice.thread

[sarahalloween]

Yes I posted on that thread too - interesting reading isn't it?

I think I will do it next week - oh God, I'll be awful telling them as I'm such a scaredy cat and will def cry. Will just think about how pissed off I was yesterday!

[incy]

I've yet to meet anyone who has regretted leaving - teaching is not always the job it is made out to be, those long holidays come at a cost ! I would resign but I am pregnant so am going to take maternity leave as early as possible and do supply once I am ready for work again. Good luck - for what it's worth I think you won't regret it.

[sarahalloween]

I'm quite looking forward to approaching some nice schools in the area with the hope of working there rather than the place I'm at.

Will have to really tighten our already tight belts to put a bit of cash away for January in case I don't get much work. Christmas could be a little on the thin side this year, but you know what, it'll be worth it to feel the relief!

[roisin]

Sarahalloween - do you know what the market is for supply teachers in your area? (What is your subject btw?) Many schools now have cover supervisors to cover short term absences; and don't rely on supply agencies in the way they used to. There are a lot of teachers on TES looking for supply work, and not finding it.

So do think very carefully before handing in your notice.

[hana]

you could approach your current head perhaps and say you're interested in supply work as well, or go to a few local schools, phone up local LEA and get on their books, cheaper for the school as there isn't a fee paid to the agency
good luck

[sarahalloween]

Roisin, that was what was on my mind as I know at my school we have much less supply in as our learning mentors have an allocation of cover time.

I had thought that I would approach schools directly to begin with without using the agencies.

It's the timing that's really difficult in teaching isn't it - if I don't leave after Christmas then I'm tied to Easter really, then if I stay until Easter then I may as well see out the year until summer. Mind you, we're only half a term into the school year and the thought of another two and a half terms is a bit too much to cope with at the moment!