An interview with Angelica Anderzon who trained to become a teacher with Exeter Consortium before starting her career as a primary supply teacher with Exeter Supply Partnership.

Angelica's background
Angelica moved to England from Sweden after finishing her A level’s where she worked for several years in various roles in hospitality before completing a counselling qualification at Exeter College. Angelica has always loved working with people and going to work in education seemed a natural progression following her counselling course when she realised that people need support from a very early stage and wanted to work with children and help them to have the best start in life as possible. She completed a Teaching Assistant Diploma Level 3 at Exeter College and gained a TA role at a local primary school in Exeter. Whilst working as a TA Angelica completed a BA Hons in Teaching & Learning Professional Practice with Worcester University. She then trained as a primary teacher with Exeter Consortium Schools’ Alliance and achieved QTS in June 2023.
 
Why did you choose to become a supply teacher?
I applied for ECT roles, however I was not successful initially and therefore decided to sign up for supply teaching as soon as I received my QTS certificate in June. This provided me with great experience working in a range of schools covering different age groups.
 
Why did you choose Exeter Supply Partnership?
ESP was recommended to me by my teacher training programme leader. I found supply teaching quite daunting initially, however I soon enjoyed going to different schools and teaching different groups of children. I then secured a permanent role working two days per week in one of my placement schools and I now do supply teaching in addition to those two days.
 
What do you wish you knew before beginning supply teaching?
Nothing really stands out because after finishing my training I felt I was very well equipped to go into schools and do a good job. Initially I did feel quite alone as a supply teacher but then I signed up for one of the ESP networking sessions where I met other supply teachers who were going through the same experience which was extremely beneficial for me.
 
What is your favourite thing about being a supply teacher?
The best thing is gaining experience of working in a wide variety of schools where you learn lots of approaches and this really opened my eyes to how things can be done differently. For example it has been so useful to look at various approaches to inclusion and provision for pupils with SEND and this has helped me to further develop my passion for this area of work.
 
What are your favourite/most useful resources to use?
I have not really needed my own resources because schools have been very clear about how they want things done especially around continuous provision. Planning has always been provided for the day and I have found this to be very clear.
 
How do you prepare for your bookings?
I have found that it is best to remain open minded and not to have any preconceived ideas about what a school is going to be like. It is good to have an open mind and of course to arrive at the school in plenty of time so that you can be prepared for the day ahead.
 
What approach do you take when you are attending a new school?
It is essential to have a look at the school policies, especially the marking policy, the behaviour policy and the safeguarding policy, all of which are provided by ESP prior to attending a booking, and to unsure you follow the policies. I have taken approaches from my training into the classroom such as the Rosenshine’s principles, I like to have active classes, a ‘no hands up’ approach and ensure that all pupils contribute to the lesson.
 
Would you say supply teaching is an enjoyable/fulfilling experience?
I have absolutely loved supply teaching! The experience of going to the different schools has been so valuable for me and has added to my practice. It has also given me the opportunity to take different approaches into other schools when a school has been receptive to this.
 
What advice would you give to a teacher who is new to supply teaching/ considering supply work?
If you are thinking of supply teaching then definitely do it! The flexibility that supply teaching provides is amazing and the fact that ESP operate a calendar system as a part of their app means you can choose when you want to work. 
 
How do you manage the uncertainty of supply work and the possibility of not having work on some days?
This is where being open minded about the schools you are happy to work in helps and it is about being brave enough to step into unknown situations and schools. I have been fortunate enough to have been offered all the work that I have wanted and even the Autumn term was really busy for me.
 
Would you recommend ESP to other teachers? If so, why?
Yes, absolutely and I have already recommended ESP to other teachers, I believe that you are totally the best option out there. Everyone at ESP is so friendly and approachable and even though most communication is done through the app, if I have ever wanted to ask a question or need advice then there is always someone available and they respond really quickly. 

​Find out about training to teach with Exeter Consortium Schools' Alliance.

Find out about primary supply teaching with Exeter Supply Partnership.

May 2024 | Countess Wear Community School
These events will provide an opportunity for supported peer moderation.

Teachers will work in small groups, following a rigorous process, to moderate writing. All teachers will need to bring all the writing from two children: one currently assessed at EXS and one currently assessed at GDS.
Cost: £50 per person for SWIFT member schools | £80 per person for non-member schools

Thursday 25 April | Online
Through these bespoke CPD sessions, you and your setting/school can stay connected with the national agenda and be fully briefed on all the latest developments in early years and beyond. Delegates will have the opportunity to engage with colleagues from other schools and settings, to share and access advice and support from the Early Excellence team.
Cost: SWIFT Members: no charge | Other colleagues: £50 half day / £100 full day

Wednesday 1 May | 09:30 - 11:30 | Countess Wear Community School

This workshop aims to teach adult facilitators the benefits of Lego therapy as an intervention for children on the autistic spectrum. Whilst understanding the theory of Lego therapy, there will be the opportunity for delegates to take part in a session which illustrates how Lego therapy differs from merely playing with Lego.

It will look at the outcomes for many young people (i.e. developing social skills such as turn taking, social negotiations and collaborative play). The workshop will also demonstrate the roles of those involved (including adults) and explains how this can potentially improve the social opportunities for young people.
Cost: £45 per person for SWIFT member schools | £75 per person for non-member schools.

Thursday 2 May | 09:30 - 15:00 | Countess Wear Community School

This training will seek to build understanding of the duties and responsibilities schools face to uphold the SEND Code of Practice. We will look together at the national picture, focusing down on the use of the Devon Graduated Response Toolkit to consider how this can support us in our day-to-day.
Cost: £75 per person for SWIFT member schools | £135 per person for non-member schools.