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Supervising Classes: Managing a classroom in the absence of the regular teacher.
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Delivering Set Work: Distributing and explaining lesson plans or resources left by the teacher (you don’t plan or mark the work yourself).
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Maintaining Order: Managing behaviour, following the school’s policies, and ensuring a safe, productive environment.
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Supporting Learning: Helping students stay on task and clarifying instructions when needed.
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Administrative Duties (sometimes): Assisting with registration, exam invigilation, or general school supervision duties (like break/lunch duty).
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Cover Supervisor:
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No responsibility for lesson planning, marking, or assessment.
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Primarily supervises and manages behaviour.
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Often seen as a good stepping stone into teaching.
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Cover Teacher (sometimes used interchangeably):
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May be a qualified teacher providing cover.
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Can adapt or extend lesson plans if required.
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Paid at teacher rates rather than support staff rates.
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Strong classroom management.
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Clear communication and authority.
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Adaptability (different subjects and year groups).
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Patience and resilience.
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Ability to engage students and keep lessons running smoothly.
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Recent graduates considering teaching.
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Teaching assistants moving up.
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People with experience in youth work, tutoring, or other supervisory roles.
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They provide continuity of learning when staff are absent.
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Reduce reliance on expensive supply teachers.
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Offer consistency and familiarity for students.