Teaching has changed significantly over the last few months. With schools set to return fully in September, here are a few ways that you can prepare yourself over the holidays for the new school year and the changes that are expected to come with it.
Keep up to date
Although the news can seem overwhelming at points, keeping up to date on what specifically will impact you can help keep you in the loop and prepared for what to expect in September.
Keeping up to date with any changes in education will be vital in ensuring you feel confident in returning to the classroom in September. Whether it is updated guidance on social distancing, ‘bubbles’ or guidance on how schools should approach certain aspects of education, if you are aware of what is roughly being said, you won’t be going in blind.
Prepare your resources
Refreshing and preparing your resources ahead of September will give you confidence in what you are walking into school with. It can also be exciting to have some new resources and tools in your bag. Maybe you’ve been using the same flash cards for a year and now is the perfect time to refresh them! Look at websites such as TES or social media groups made specifically for supply teachers who will share their ideas and what is in their supply ‘bags’.
There is no better feeling that being organised and prepared ahead of time!
Try something new
Having something other than education to be interested in is a great way to spend your spare time. If you spend most of your time looking at educational updates and articles, you may feel consumed in your work and your work life balance will become blurred.
You could try running, walking, fishing, arts and crafts, baking, cooking, yoga… the list is endless! Even if it is once or twice a week, it is better than nothing and will provide you some time to yourself.
You may also find you inspire pupils on your return to the classroom with your newfound skills and stories.
Consider different options
There are plenty of ways to keep yourself busy during the summer holidays. Whether it is a temporary job, tutoring or working in your local supermarket.
Temporary jobs can be a great filler over the summer holidays and look great on your CV. If you are interested in temporary roles, Opus People Solutions recruit for temporary positions within Suffolk County Council and more information can be found here.
Tutoring will keep your curriculum knowledge and passion for teaching fresh during the summer holidays! You can tutor all year round and increase your capacity during the summer holidays to fit with your additional spare time. If you are interested in tutoring, please click here.
Most importantly, make sure you do things that make you happy and will leave you feeling ready to work in September and make a difference in the classroom. By utilising your break, you can return to the classroom feeling confident, motivated and ready to play a key role in the return to normal for so many pupils. There will be lots of support for you whether that is the school staff, your supply agency or your family so make sure you enjoy this break.