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Introducing the GTC Networks.
Good teaching needs good networks and good networks need good teachers.
The GTC Networks provide support by linking teachers nationally and putting them in touch with the latest research and evidence. They let teachers have a voice at national debates on changes to education.
CPD for supply teachers
A new research report shows that supply teachers have more difficulty accessing CPD than other teachers. This is in spite of the fact that most large supply agencies, and 44 per cent of local authorities, offer opportunities for professional development.
The report is:
Hutchings, M., James, K., Maylor, U., Menter, I. and Smart, S. (2006) The Recruitment, Deployment and Management of Supply Teachers in England. DfES
Many schools fail to include supply teachers in school-based CPD activities, and even if they do, it is usually only for those working on a regular or longer-term basis. Supply teachers who are employed directly by a school faced the biggest problems, and many said they had never been offered any CPD.
What could you do to help?
As a leader of CPD you might want to think about ways in which you and your colleagues improve the access supply teachers have to CPD.
Even though supply teachers may not be able to take advantage of all the opportunities you offer, they will appreciate being invited and treated as valued members of the staff.
Suggestions from teachers interviewed included:
- Make an induction pack available to all supply teachers. The one provided to NQTs might be appropriate, but some other examples can be found in a good practice guide that can be downloaded from the DfES website:
www.dfes.gov.uk/valueformoney/docs/VFM_Document_12.pdf
- You might also find the DfES online support offered by DfES helpful:
www.teachernet.gov.uk/supplyteachers/supplyhome.cfm?&id=0
- Suggest that supply teachers can attend staff and departmental meetings.
- Identify a buddy/mentor (or take on this role yourself) to discuss any issues arising or identify skills that need to be developed.
- Value what supply teachers give to the school as, like you, they are committed to providing the best possible learning opportunities for all children and young people.
- When the school plans specific CPD activities ensure supply teachers are invited to participate.
- Offer access to ICT facilities – many supply teachers, especially NQTs and those from overseas, do not have their own computers or internet access.
