The shift from supply to a full-time teacher happens more often than you’d expect. Schools regularly hire permanent teachers from their supply pool. Why? Head teachers see your real classroom skills every day.
That’s not the whole story, though. You need specific strategies to build the right reputation and network naturally. Most supply teachers miss these opportunities completely.
Today we’ll cover:
- Simple ways to make schools remember you
- Natural networking that actually works
- Why your SEN experience gives you an edge
- Application tricks that show your real value
Keep reading to learn how smart supply teachers land permanent roles and build successful teaching careers.
Small Actions That Make Schools Remember You
We are all aware that reputations aren’t built overnight. It also doesn’t come from dramatic performances at the front of the classroom. Reputations are built through consistent, thoughtful actions that stick in people’s minds, and because of that, supply teachers often get called back.
Let’s cut to the chase, here are some of the habits that turned short placements into long-term opportunities:
Arrive Ready When Others Wing It
Schools notice who walks in prepared.
Arriving early, checking the timetable, and setting up the classroom before pupils arrive shows you’re serious about your role. It also gives you time to familiarise yourself with resources, which makes lessons run more smoothly.
Teachers who look ready before the bell earn instant trust from colleagues.
Handle Difficult Situations With Grace
Every classroom has its stressful situations. A student might test boundaries, or a lesson plan may not work for the group. When this happens, the calm supply teacher who redirects energy and keeps learning on track gets noticed. Staff remember these adaptable teachers because they know that skill is rare.
Leave Detailed Notes for Permanent Staff
Permanent teachers return expecting to know what happened in their absence. When you prepare notes on student progress, behaviour, and resources used, it shows you respect their work. Mentioning how certain kids responded, which tasks were completed, and what support might still be needed helps create proper continuity.
Here’s a pro tip: make a simple PowerPoint presentation with visuals and details to give the permanent teacher a heads-up. Such an approach makes the handover much smoother for everyone involved. Also, head teachers notice when supply staff contribute to seamless transitions rather than leaving gaps.
Volunteer for Extra Duties Without Being Asked
Covering a lunch break or offering to support students who need extra guidance leaves a strong impression. It shows you see yourself as part of the school community rather than a visitor. One teacher we worked with was offered a permanent role after a head praised her for always stepping in at busy times without complaint.
These simple, everyday actions show reliability and professionalism without extra supervision. Take my suggestion as someone running a school, that is exactly what I would look for. Not to forget that these characteristics lay the groundwork for career progression, especially when repeated consistently across many different schools.
Primary vs Secondary Teacher: Adapting Your Supply Approach
We have covered the habits that get you the permanent seat, but tackling different school cultures is no joke. For instance, primary schools. A Year 2 classroom runs on warmth, routine, and constant reassurance, while a GCSE science session demands focus and subject depth. Supply teachers who recognise these differences and adapt quickly get noticed.
From our experience in the education sector, those working across many different schools learn to notice cultural cues fast. Conversations in the staffroom, displays in corridors, and the way lessons begin all reveal what a school values. Once you pay attention to these signals, you will be able to blend in, gain trust, and build career progression opportunities in education.
As important as learning cultural cues, equally important is being able to naturally network across schools.
Natural Networking That Opens Doors
Most educators dislike the word “networking” because it sounds like business jargon. In schools, connections grow out of everyday moments. When supply teachers make themselves approachable and helpful, staff remember them, and the word soon spreads across schools.
Look at the situations where small actions create lasting impressions:
- Morning briefings: A quick question or short update shows you’re engaged with the day ahead.
- Break time chats: Simple conversations about lessons, school life, or the upcoming weekend often lead to genuine relationships.
- Busy periods: Staff notice the person who steps in during exams or inspections without being asked.
- Sharing resources: Offering a worksheet that worked well in your classroom demonstrates generosity and collaboration.
- Positive presence in meetings: A thoughtful comment at the right time can show your professionalism and experience.
We’ve seen supply teachers secure full-time roles simply because staff felt they were easy to work with. Believe it or not, real networking in education is about being the colleague people want on their team.
With the cat out of the box, let’s discuss Special Educational Needs (SEN).
Special Educational Needs: Your Secret Weapon
Schools face an ongoing challenge of meeting the diverse needs of pupils with SEN. But wait, there is more to it. In January 2025, over 1.7 million school pupils in England were identified as having SEN. Gov.uk stats show this is a growing trend. What does this mean in particular, though? With so many students needing extra support, a supply teacher who can step in confidently earns respect quickly. From our experience, SEN ability often tips the balance when head teachers decide who to hire full-time.
These areas of expertise matter most:
- Behaviour management: A calm voice and steady presence stop situations from getting worse. Teachers who set clear but fair boundaries show they can guide a class back on track without losing focus.
- Support for learning difficulties: Breaking tasks into smaller parts or using practical examples helps every student take part and make visible progress. Over time, this support allows children to work towards their full potential.
- Awareness of sensory needs: A flickering light, noisy corridor, or crowded classroom can overwhelm certain students. Try spotting these signs early and adjusting the environment.
- Clear communication: Short instructions, paired with visual aids, make lessons easier to follow. This gives children the confidence to respond and reduces frustration.
- Crisis response: Emergencies demand calm action. Acting with composure reassures staff and parents while keeping children safe. Schools often remember the supply teacher who handled a crisis with professionalism.
Teachers with these skills get remembered. Schools really need educators who can help SEN students well. Show your strength here, and it speeds up your career growth.
From Daily Supply to Long-Term Contracts
The phone rings with an unexpected question: “Can you stay another week?”
For a supply teacher, this is often the point where casual cover begins to shift into something bigger. One week can grow into three, and soon the school is asking whether you’d consider a more permanent role.
During these extensions, how you perform counts. So, make sure you treat extensions as if you’re already in full-time teaching. Plan lessons carefully, learn pupils’ names, and track their progress with consistency. This extra effort proves you can manage more than a single day in the classroom.
Long-term supply is also when head teachers start watching more closely, for example, they’ll notice how you manage behaviour, build relationships, and contribute beyond your own class. These are the signs schools look for before offering permanent teaching jobs.
What begins as temporary supply work can become the clear next step towards stability and long-term growth in education.
Supply Experience That Transforms Applications
A common mistake supply teachers make is underplaying the value of their work. Think about it this way: moving between lots of schools gives you teaching experience that permanent staff never get. Since you already have the skills, all you need now is to talk about them properly so your application gets noticed.
We can help you with that. Follow these ways to show off your skills, and you are set for life:
Share Your Supply Success Stories
Avoid simply listing where you’ve worked. Explain how you managed classrooms, supported students, and adapted lessons at short notice. Your stories show schools that you bring flexibility and real teaching experience, not just cover hours.
Highlight Adaptability in Interviews
Head teachers want proof you can handle pressure. So, talk about times you dealt with difficult behaviour or built trust with a class you’d just met. Such examples show you already have the skills they’re looking for.
Build References That Carry Weight
References from head teachers who saw you in action often speak louder than a qualification on paper. When paired with your qualified teacher status or continuous professional development, they show both proven ability and a commitment to growth.
Remember, schools take notice when supply teachers link their past roles directly to career progression. By framing your history as evidence of reliability and readiness, you can turn supply work into a clear pathway towards full-time teaching.
Securing Your Permanent Teaching Position
A simple compliment can boost your confidence. But nothing beats the moment when a head teacher asks, “Would you like to join us permanently?” That’s it. You have earned it, and you know that all your hard work has paid off.
This moment proves that people have been watching and appreciating what you do. Since the school already knows what you bring to the table, you can talk about the role with real confidence.
At OTJR Online, we’ve seen this turning point countless times. Supply teachers we’ve supported across London often reach it after showing consistency, adaptability, and a clear commitment to education.
When that permanent offer comes through, it feels different. Yes, you’ve got job security now, but there’s something bigger: you can actually start planning your teaching future. Full-time teachers also have the satisfaction of guiding pupils’ progress over the years.
As you prepare for your next steps, remember to recognise your worth and always keep career progression in mind. Contact us today and take your final step with confidence. Build a career you’re proud of.