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What do other cover supervisors do when there is nobody to cover?

Last post 01/12/11 at 12:58 by Crowbob, 21 replies
Post started by spike_hughes24 on 22/09/11 at 11:10

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  • spike_hughes24 avatar
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    Posted by: spike_hughes24 22/09/2011 at 11:10
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     Just wondering what other cover supervisors do when there is no cover? I graduated from uni in the summer and got a job as a cover supervisor in a secondary school. while i reapply for my PGCE or GTP at the end of this month.

     I Have been busy on some days having all 5 periods, sometimes the odd free. But i have a massive issue when a few days i have had completely free days...

    I was just wondering what other cover supervisors do when they have a odd free or a whole free day?

     

     
  • hellcatgreen avatar
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    Posted by: hellcatgreen 22/09/2011 at 11:48
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    Hi.  I have a timetable that when I am not covering I fall back on.  I put it together myself and emailed the staff in my faculty to ask where they felt they would like some additional hands in classes (where there are higher tariff students who dont have LSA support perhaps?).  It keeps me busy and they appreciate it.

    Also, I work on displays, boards, resources etc when reuired.

     Hope that helps.
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    Posted by: madenglishgirl 22/09/2011 at 16:32
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    I spend my time supporting within my departments as Hellcatgreen described - I also spend quite a bit of time developing resources and modifying lesson plans as well as planning for one of our Enrichment days.
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    Posted by: zimon 22/09/2011 at 18:35
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     When I was a CS I had a timetable where I was support - mostly in the humanities department (I'm a geographer).

    The school knew I wanted to apply for a GTP, and they were very helpful, getting me as much experience in the classroom as possible.

  • melabee avatar
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    Posted by: melabee 25/09/2011 at 10:53
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    I also have a full TA timetable, supporting in my department, so I always have something to do. 

     

    Perhaps. if you who don't have an additional timetable, you could ask a teacher you get on well with to observe/help out in their classes on your free days?
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    Posted by: Pennyforyourthoughts 25/09/2011 at 23:44
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    madenglishgirl:
    I spend my time supporting within my departments as Hellcatgreen described - I also spend quite a bit of time developing resources and modifying lesson plans as well as planning for one of our Enrichment days.
    Is this not carrying out 'specified work' . I doubt that an ordinary cover supervisor would be required modify lesson plans .......so once again please say .... that you are an Instructor with a teaching time tatble and that is why you are carrying out this type of work when you have no cover as a supervisor. Otherwise it gives the impression that all cover supervisors, develop resources, modify lesson plans and carry out planning.
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    Posted by: Timberwolf 26/09/2011 at 14:48
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    Pennyforyourthoughts:
    madenglishgirl:
    I spend my time supporting within my departments as Hellcatgreen described - I also spend quite a bit of time developing resources and modifying lesson plans as well as planning for one of our Enrichment days.
    Is this not carrying out 'specified work' . I doubt that an ordinary cover supervisor would be required modify lesson plans .......so once again please say .... that you are an Instructor with a teaching time tatble and that is why you are carrying out this type of work when you have no cover as a supervisor. Otherwise it gives the impression that all cover supervisors, develop resources, modify lesson plans and carry out planning.

     

    What are you an instructor for anyway MEG?
  • madenglishgirl avatar
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    Posted by: madenglishgirl 27/09/2011 at 12:15
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    I was an instructor for PSHE and Music, although I am neither this year.
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    Posted by: RevBev 06/11/2011 at 17:06
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     It varies what they do..  One might be helping out with classroom TA work; another might be getting on with admin, or making resources or display work for a department; another might be on the staffroom computer on facebook or looking for cheap holidays, and another might be asleep in the staffroom or making interminable very loud personal phone-calls or texting.

  • hellcatgreen avatar
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    Posted by: hellcatgreen 17/11/2011 at 11:16
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    So - pretty much what the teachers seem to do when not in front of a class then? Wink
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