As a supply teacher, it’s important to continually develop your skills and knowledge to stay up-to-date with current best practices and provide your students the best possible learning environment. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) plays a crucial role in ensuring your effectiveness in the classroom, boosting your motivation and confidence, and opening doors to new career opportunities. In this article, we will explore the importance of CPD for supplying teachers and providing valuable resources for accessing free CPD courses.
What is CPD?
And Why Should Supply Teachers Engage in it?
Continuing Professional Development, or CPD, refers to the ongoing process of learning and development that professionals undertake to enhance their skills and knowledge in their chosen field. CPD is particularly important for supply teachers as it allows them to stay current with their subject knowledge, teaching methodologies, and educational trends. By engaging in CPD, supply teachers can ensure they provide their students with the best possible education and remain competitive in the job market.
One of the main benefits of CPD for supply teachers is the opportunity to continuously improve their skills and stay up-to-date with the latest approaches to teaching. The education landscape is constantly evolving, and CPD enables supply teachers to adapt to these changes and provide the most effective instruction to their students. It also helps to boost confidence and motivation, as supply teachers can see the direct impact of their professional development on their teaching practice.
The Benefits of CPD for Supply Teachers
Engaging in CPD offers numerous benefits for supply teachers. Let’s explore some of the key advantages:
1. Skill Enhancement and Specialisation
CPD allows supply teachers to develop and enhance their skills in specific areas of interest or specialisation. Supply teachers can broaden their expertise and become more versatile educators by focusing on areas such as subject knowledge, pedagogy, or pastoral care. This increases their value as supply teachers and opens up opportunities for more diverse and rewarding teaching assignments.
2. Career Progression and Job Opportunities
CPD plays a crucial role in career progression for supply teachers. By continuously updating their skills and knowledge, supply teachers can demonstrate their commitment to professional development and stand out in a competitive job market. CPD also provides opportunities for networking and building professional relationships, which can lead to new job opportunities and career advancement.
3. Keeping Pace with Educational Changes
Education is an ever-evolving field, with new teaching strategies, technologies, and educational policies constantly emerging. CPD ensures that supply teachers stay informed about these changes and are equipped to implement them in the classroom. By staying up-to-date with the latest educational trends, supply teachers can provide their students a relevant and engaging learning experience.
4. Personal Growth and Self-Reflection
CPD encourages self-reflection and personal growth for supply teachers. Engaging in professional development activities allows teachers to reflect on their teaching practice, identify improvement areas, and set professional growth goals. This self-reflective process enhances teaching effectiveness and promotes personal satisfaction and fulfilment in the teaching profession.
5. Building a Professional Network
CPD provides opportunities for supply teachers to connect with other educators and build a professional network. Networking allows teachers to share ideas, collaborate on projects, and learn from each other’s experiences. By engaging in CPD events, workshops, and conferences, supply teachers can expand their professional network and gain valuable insights from peers and experts in the field.
Accessing Free CPD Courses for Supply Teachers
Fortunately, there are numerous free CPD courses available online for supply teachers. These courses provide an accessible and flexible way to engage in professional development at your own pace. Here are some notable platforms and organisations that offer free CPD courses for supply teachers:
1. FutureLearn
FutureLearn is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses from leading universities and institutions. They provide flexible learning options, allowing you to fit CPD courses around your busy schedule. From subject-specific courses to pedagogical training, FutureLearn offers a variety of options to enhance your teaching skills.
2. OpenLearn
OpenLearn, the free learning portal of The Open University, offers a wealth of courses covering various subjects and topics. Whether you want to improve your subject knowledge or explore new areas of interest, OpenLearn provides accessible and comprehensive CPD opportunities for supply teachers.
3. ReachOut CPD
Designed in collaboration with Imperial College London, ReachOut CPD is a free online learning platform aimed at helping primary specialists teach science with confidence. The platform offers a range of resources and courses specifically tailored to enhance science education in primary schools.
4. The Association of Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ACAMH)
ACAMH regularly broadcasts live-stream sessions focusing on child and adolescent mental health. These sessions provide valuable insights and strategies for supporting students’ mental health and well-being. Supply teachers can benefit from the knowledge shared in these sessions and apply it to their own teaching practice.
5. UK Trauma Council
The UK Trauma Council offers resources and training to help teachers identify and support young people who have experienced traumatic bereavement. Their free training pack equips teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the needs of students who have gone through traumatic experiences.
6. National Cyber Security Centre
The National Cyber Security Centre provides a free training pack designed to raise awareness and help teachers manage school cyber security threats. With the increasing importance of online safety, this training can equip supply teachers with the essential knowledge to protect their students and themselves from cyber threats.
7. Home Office Terrorism and Radicalisation Training
The Home Office offers a free terrorism and radicalisation training course that can enhance supply teachers’ understanding of these important issues. This training provides valuable insights into recognising signs of radicalisation and extremism, enabling teachers to create a safe and inclusive learning environment.
8. PACE Safeguarding Course
Parents Against Child Exploitation (PACE) / the Ivision Trust offers a free 20-minute online learning course aimed at professionals working with children and young people. This course focuses on helping teachers recognise the signs of child sexual exploitation and take appropriate action to safeguard their students.
9. Teaching Tomorrow
At Teaching Tomorrow, you can explore a diverse range of online courses that cater to your professional growth and development. Our courses are designed to help you become a better educator by equipping you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed. Some of our most popular courses include the essential Preparation for First Day as a Supply Teacher, which prepares you for the challenges of supply teaching, and the highly effective Positive Behaviour Management course, which helps you manage classroom behaviour effectively. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting out, Teaching Tomorrow has something for everyone.
10. Teaching Unions
In addition to these platforms, it’s also worth exploring the CPD opportunities offered by teaching unions, such as the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) and the National Education Union (NEU). These unions often provide free CPD training and courses tailored to the needs of teachers.
So, what are you waiting for?
Continuing Professional Development is essential to a supply teacher’s career journey. Engaging in CPD allows supply teachers to enhance their skills, stay up-to-date with educational changes, and open up new opportunities for career progression. Free online CPD courses help make professional development accessible and flexible for supply teachers. By taking advantage of these resources, supply teachers can continually improve their teaching practice and provide the best possible education to their students.
