Any one working for a Supply TA Agency before starting their PGCE in September?

Unless you need the money, I'm not sure this is a good idea.

Students, especially some students with SEN needs, don't always respond well to change and might respond negatively to you as a TA coming in for a short period only. You'll also be moving between lots of different schools and having to get used to new systems etc regularly, which can be tricky. It might also be difficult if you go into a school in a TA role that you're later placed in as a teacher.

Whilst experience as a TA can be very helpful during the PGCE, it's by no means essential. Another option might be to volunteer with a group like scouts/guides or a sports group on a weekly basis. This will give you lots of experience of working with and interacting with the age group you want to teach in a more relaxed environment. Groups like this are often crying out for volunteers.

Hi SarkAndSpark, I wasn't really asking if it was a good idea, I was asking if any one had any experience with these agencies.

I already have my required work expedience. And I have signed up with and agency. I am not looking to be particularly working with SEN and have vocalized this with the agency, so I would hope I would be placed appropriately to support teachers in the classroom. I understand I will be moving between schools and work may be sporadic but I need to work before I start my course in September..

What makes you think that learning how to apply myself professionally to different schools is a bad idea? (not an attack honestly interested). As for working in schools that I might work in at a later date as a NQT, surely if I make a good impression by working hard and being as professional as possible the schools might be able to see the progress I have made. Is it not good to network?

Try and get work as a cover supervisor. I think you will be eligible since you must have a degree if you're starting teacher training in September. At least you will be placed in front of classes.

However, if your mind is made up, then good luck with it!

Thanks, I wasn't sure on the terminology. I appreciate your comment

Try and get work as a cover supervisor. I think you will be eligible since you must have a degree if you're starting teacher training in September. At least you will be placed in front of classes.

Honestly I don’t recommend this. I’ve been doing supply and cover supervisor jobs before I start my training and it honestly has at times put me off. A cover supervisor and a teacher are two very different jobs.

I’d definitely recommend a TA role as you’ll be in classes for your subject and will get the opportunity to see the different ways you can teach your subject. Good luck with the pgce in Sep!

Regarding your first point, that's well-raised and certainly true: a cover supervisor will be given the worst possible set up with kids who think they can mess around and often basic and uninspiring cover work. The two are a recipe for challenging behaviour, and I can side with the kids on that one, they misbehave because they are bored. However, it does not mean you have to settle for any nonsense. How can you take their work and make it more inspirational and engaging? You have the freedom to try out different approaches and strategies as a cover supervisor: no one will care as long as you have them engaged on a task whether that be verbally, kinaesthetically, or through reading/writing/presentation/performance/creative expression. You can then focus your attention on following the school behaviour policy for the special cases who refuse to work. Get them sent out early if they are being wholly disruptive.

Although, I so agree that it is not an easy introduction, but the again, teaching is not easy and will come with its fair share of challenging and disruptive lessons even when you are permanent and known to the students.

I disagree that cp and teaching are very different. There is the potential to do the same thing in the classroom in both roles, you just have to strive to make your cover lessons engaging and not crowd control like many of the older teachers you described, some of whom have lost passion comfor andmitment to the students.

Finally, your point about teaching assistant work being given in your chosen subject: that won't happen very often. You will be placed with a particular student or group of students and support them in special settings or you will be placed on general mainstream support which means you see a variety of teachers and lessons, but not strictly your chosen subject. You may be given maths, music, English, ICT and geography all in one day. But being a ta is a great insight into teaching as you can really observe so much. My argument is that cover supervisor is better insight given we only have a little over a month before the end of the year.

I see what you mean. I’m only talking about my own experience but I’ve seen how my role as a cover teacher has literally been just about ensuring kids stay in their seats and attempt to do the work set. For me it’s literally been about babysitting, most of the work left for them is thrown in the bin by the end of the day (I’ve seen teachers do this). Most schools I worked at have the mentality that nothing will really be learnt in the cover lessons but that they just need an adult in the room. I do agree however that given its the last term cover work is probably the only work you can really get. It has been useful in regards to classroom management, but in terms of actual teaching I’ve found that it hasn’t really taught me much