Teaching Hub

Tips, practical advice and resources for Teachers and Teaching Assistants

How to become a primary school teacher

How to become a primary school teacher

Like the idea of being a primary school teacher but not sure where to start? We've got you covered with this guide.

Rebecca G (primary school teacher)
14 May 2023
5 min read
5 Top Tips for SEN Teaching Assistants: Essential Strategies to Support Children with SEND

5 Top Tips for SEN Teaching Assistants: Essential Strategies to Support Children with SEND

Our top 5 tips for best supporting children and young people as an SEN TA.

Vicky Gould
3 May 2023
5 min read
How to Gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in the UK

How to Gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in the UK

Gaining QTS can seem daunting, but we're here to help!

Derek Cullen
17 Feb 2023
10 min read
7 Great Books for Teachers That Will Advance Your Career

7 Great Books for Teachers That Will Advance Your Career

A rundown of 7 great books for teachers' development.

Derek Cullen
14 Dec 2022
6 min read
10 Supply Teaching Tips for Your First Day

10 Supply Teaching Tips for Your First Day

Start off on the right foot with these 10 tips!

Derek Cullen & Vicky Gould
21 Nov 2022
8 min read
Children’s Safeguarding – Recognising Neglect: Support or Intervention?

Children’s Safeguarding – Recognising Neglect: Support or Intervention?

How can we recognise neglect in children, and make the all-important call on intervention?

Devika Punchhi
9 Nov 2022
6 min read
3 Reasons Play Matters Most in Early Education

3 Reasons Play Matters Most in Early Education

Play is not a luxury or an afterthought.

Helen Evans, Early Years Teacher
7 Nov 2022
7 min read
How to Become a Supply Teacher in the UK

How to Become a Supply Teacher in the UK

Becoming a supply teacher: from the qualifications you'll need, to finding roles.

Derek Cullen
25 Oct 2022
5 min read
Tips for Teaching Assistants: Making a positive first impression

Tips for Teaching Assistants: Making a positive first impression

Greg, a Zen registered Teaching Assistant, shares three helpful tips for making a positive impression in schools.

Greg Manuel
14 Aug 2022
3 minutes read
Coaching Ultimate Frisbee Alongside Supply Teaching

Coaching Ultimate Frisbee Alongside Supply Teaching

Dylan, Teaching Assistant with Zen Educate, found his love of teaching through his passion for Ultimate Frisbee. In this article, he shares top tips for introducing this sport to children, and how supply work allows him to carry out two passions in one!

Zara Danton
29 May 2022
3 minutes read
Why Supply?

Why Supply?

Looking for a flexible way to balance a career in education with other things? Teaching supply might be the perfect job for you.

Andrew King
10 May 2022
5 min read
Workshop: Talking Hands - an introduction to British Sign Language

Workshop: Talking Hands - an introduction to British Sign Language

A comprehensive introduction to British Sign Language! 👋

Andrew King
10 Apr 2022
1 min read
Our Favourite Online Tools for Positive Behaviour & Engagement

Our Favourite Online Tools for Positive Behaviour & Engagement

We’ve been speaking to teachers about what resources and tools they use to support behaviour and control within their classrooms.

Zara Danton
10 Feb 2022
3 minutes read
Workshop: Differentiated Discipline

Workshop: Differentiated Discipline

Watch back our event about managing behaviour in the classroom!

Andrew King
31 Jan 2022
0 min read
Education and Nature: Forest School Activities for Outdoor Learning

Education and Nature: Forest School Activities for Outdoor Learning

Beckie, a supply teacher, children’s well-being mentor and forest school practitioner, shares a fun activity for National Tree Week 2021.

Beckie, Founder of Bhumi Yoga and teacher
1 Dec 2021
3 minutes read
Workshop: Phonics in a Rich Reading Curriculum

Workshop: Phonics in a Rich Reading Curriculum

An interactive workshop to help you deliver high quality lessons in Phonics.

Ross Colman
19 Nov 2021
5 min read
Workshop: Reading Ready, How to Develop Fluent Readers

Workshop: Reading Ready, How to Develop Fluent Readers

An interactive workshop to help teachers and teaching assistants deliver high quality lessons in Reading Comprehension.

Ross Colman
17 Nov 2021
5 min read
Workshop – More Jobs, Less Work: How to make jobs come your way

Workshop – More Jobs, Less Work: How to make jobs come your way

Watch our free workshop to learn how to land more your favourite jobs.

Andrew King
15 Nov 2021
1 min read
September Success Programme

September Success Programme

Prepare for the new academic year with three workshops from our September Success Programme

Ross Colman
26 Aug 2021
5 minutes read
Keeping children safe in education: Updates for September 2021

Keeping children safe in education: Updates for September 2021

Now that the September 2021 update to the Department for Education’s guidance for keeping children safe in education (KCSIE) has been published, we want to ensure that everyone who works in education is informed on the changes.

Ross Coleman
26 Jul 2021
10 min read
Why I Supply: A Meaningful Career Change from Engineer to Teaching Assistant

Why I Supply: A Meaningful Career Change from Engineer to Teaching Assistant

Sean shares his journey from Engineer to Teaching Assistant. He has a few tips for people eager to make a career change!

Sean Simms
6 Jul 2021
3 mins read
5 tips for supply teaching in a new school

5 tips for supply teaching in a new school

Robert has 8 years of teaching experience and has a few tips to share with supply teachers heading into new classrooms.

Robert Pokorny, Supply Teacher
8 Jun 2021
3 min read
Workshop: How can teachers and TAs support children with autism?

Workshop: How can teachers and TAs support children with autism?

Resources and effective strategies for supporting children with autism from our workshop on April 8th, 2021

Vivienne Chan
27 Apr 2021
10 min read
SEN Insight: Life in a Special School

SEN Insight: Life in a Special School

Why choose work in a special school? Olivia, our SEND Lead and former SEND Support Worker, discusses opportunities to upskill and develop experience in the special needs sector.

Olivia Sheppard, SEN Lead
13 Apr 2021
5 minutes read
Why I supply: Fulfilling the role of parent and Teaching Assistant

Why I supply: Fulfilling the role of parent and Teaching Assistant

Amifa, a Supply Teaching Assistant with Zen Educate, describes how her school role was changed by having children.

Amifa K
28 Mar 2021
5 min read
Why I Supply: Exploring freelancing and other passions

Why I Supply: Exploring freelancing and other passions

Rakhee made the switch from full-time teacher to supply teacher when she found Zen Educate.

Rakhee P
15 Mar 2021
5 min read
How to Build an Effective Professional Profile: Key insights from our workshop

How to Build an Effective Professional Profile: Key insights from our workshop

Why should you refine your professional profile? We hosted a workshop to explore why it matters, how to develop your CV and suggest effective frameworks to take forward.

Vivienne Chan
12 Mar 2021
10 min read
An Easy Guide to Children's Yoga

An Easy Guide to Children's Yoga

Beckie, founder of Bhumi Yoga and supply teacher with 20 years of school experience, shares yoga-inspired activities which help with behaviour management.

Beckie, Supply Teacher and Yoga Teacher
25 Feb 2021
5 minutes read
Coping with Stress: The 4 R’s Approach

Coping with Stress: The 4 R’s Approach

A recap on 'The 4 R’s Approach to Coping with Stress' from our webinar: Towards Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing.

Vivienne Chan
22 Feb 2021
5 minutes read
What is Makaton?

What is Makaton?

Who uses Makaton, how can I learn it, and how can I introduce it in my classroom?

Olivia Sheppard
10 Feb 2021
5 min read
Staying active in lockdown

Staying active in lockdown

Are you finding time for fitness right now? The Zen team has lockdown fitness ideas to share with teachers and anyone working remotely.

Vivienne Chan
8 Feb 2021
3 minutes read
Teacher Checklist: How to prepare for Primary Supply Teaching

Teacher Checklist: How to prepare for Primary Supply Teaching

Robert, an experienced London supply teacher, shares ways to succeed on your first day of primary supply teaching. A helpful guide if you’re wondering what to bring to school.

Robert Pokorny
4 Feb 2021
5 minutes read
Five books to promote friendships, inclusivity and understanding of SEND

Five books to promote friendships, inclusivity and understanding of SEND

It’s Anti-Bullying Week, which is a great opportunity to emphasise the collective responsibility of students to end bullying and respect each other. With powerful illustrations and encouraging messages, picture books are an ideal way to help children understand and celebrate their differences.

Olivia Sheppard
18 Nov 2020
3 min read
3 ways supply teaching helped me start my own business

3 ways supply teaching helped me start my own business

Robert, a supply teacher working with Zen Educate, shares his insight into how teaching supply can provide the flexibility, extra time and experience to start your own business.

Robert, Supply Teacher
12 Oct 2020
5 minutes read
Top Tips for Classroom Teaching Assistants

Top Tips for Classroom Teaching Assistants

Here we share 4 tips for teaching assistants returning to work in September

Olivia Sheppard
7 Aug 2020
3 mins read
CPD Resources for Teachers and TAs

CPD Resources for Teachers and TAs

A collection of books and online courses for any teaching staff to explore during the lockdown

Olivia Sheppard
7 Jun 2020
5 min read
Helping SEND Pupils Transition Back to School

Helping SEND Pupils Transition Back to School

Some useful insight on how to best deal with the transition of SEN students back to school

Olivia Sheppard
26 May 2020
5 min read
Keeping early years reading on track during home learning

Keeping early years reading on track during home learning

I’ve written this post to share some ideas to support early years reading at home.

Miss McLaughlin
4 May 2020
5 min read
Top 3 Sensory Activities for children with Autism to enjoy

Top 3 Sensory Activities for children with Autism to enjoy

3 fun and engaging activities for children with Autism from our SEN specialist, Olivia Sheppard, in honour of World Autism Day

Olivia Sheppard
1 Apr 2020
5 min read
Four tips for getting your class back on track after the break

Four tips for getting your class back on track after the break

How to welcome your students back to your classroom and get behaviour on track as quickly as possible

Clare Burroughs
10 Jan 2020
2 mins read
5 Top Tips for Starting the New School Year Off Right

5 Top Tips for Starting the New School Year Off Right

The summer is over, you’ve enjoyed your holiday, and it’s time to get back to teaching. The start of a new academic term may feel daunting, but following these tips will help you reduce stress and get back into the swing of things.

Rachel · Supply Teacher
28 Aug 2019
3 min read
How to Motivate Your Learners at the Start of the New Academic Year

How to Motivate Your Learners at the Start of the New Academic Year

Worried about how to engage students after a long summer break? One of our supply teachers offers valuable insight into how she keeps students interested once the new academic year starts.

Leigh · Supply Teacher
25 Aug 2019
3 min read
How to Re-energise Yourself as a Supply Teacher After Summer

How to Re-energise Yourself as a Supply Teacher After Summer

After a long summer holiday off, it can be tough to get back into teaching. Leigh shares her tips on how to re-energise yourself as a supply teacher and get back into the swing of things come the September term.

Leigh · Supply Teacher
21 Aug 2019
3 min read
Secondary to Primary Teaching

Secondary to Primary Teaching

Teaching supply allows you to work in a variety of contexts. As an experienced secondary school teacher now teaching daily supply, a Zen teacher shares how they have adapted their teaching practices to be effective in a primary setting.

Anon Teacher
18 Aug 2019
3 min read
Strategies to Deliver Improved Language Lessons in UK Schools

Strategies to Deliver Improved Language Lessons in UK Schools

So many pupils today do not seem to value language subjects in the same way that they value the core subjects. As one of the biggest obstacles when it comes to teaching languages in UK schools, it is necessary for teachers to overcome this.

Samia · Teacher
12 Aug 2019
3 min read
My Top Tips for Stress-Free Prep

My Top Tips for Stress-Free Prep

A supply day can be overwhelming if you're not prepared. Consider the advice of Nathanlie, a supply teacher, who shared her tips and tricks for a typical teaching day.

Nathanlie · Primary Teacher
7 Aug 2019
4 min read
How and Why I Got Into Supply Teaching in London

How and Why I Got Into Supply Teaching in London

Explore the main benefits of supply teaching with one of Zen's best teachers, as she recalls how she became drawn to supply and how she ended up working with Zen.

Michelle · Primary Teacher
4 Aug 2019
3 min read
Tips for Choosing a Supply Agency

Tips for Choosing a Supply Agency

Navigating how to find the right supply agency for you can be an overwhelming process. It’s important to understand the differences between them and what each has to offer. Follow these guidelines to ensure that you find the best agency for you.

Hadley Webster
4 Aug 2019
3 min read
The Advantages of Becoming a Supply Teacher

The Advantages of Becoming a Supply Teacher

Supply can offer a lot of benefits for teachers depending on personal needs and wants. Working as a supply teacher with her own business on the side, Gerrie shares some of the advantages of supply.

Gerrie · Supply Teacher
1 Aug 2019
3 min read
Developing Wellbeing in the Early Years

Developing Wellbeing in the Early Years

Mental health, stress and workload are hot topics at the moment. Many schools are raising the profile of wellbeing and making a real commitment to improving the mental health of their staff, children and the wider community.

Nathanlie · Supply Teacher
29 Jul 2019
4 min read
How to Best Support Your SEN Students

How to Best Support Your SEN Students

Each SEN student will have different needs and learning habits. Whilst each child is different, there are a number of things you can do to prepare when taking on a new class with SEN requirements..

Samia · Teacher
28 Jul 2019
4 mins read
5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Teaching

5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Teaching

One of Zen's best teachers looks back on the earliest days of his teaching career and shares the main things that every new teacher should know.

Yemi · Supply Teacher
21 Jul 2019
4 min read
Why I Supply: the Benefits of Supply Teaching

Why I Supply: the Benefits of Supply Teaching

Mary, a supply teacher with Zen, shares her personal reasons for teaching supply and sheds light on the benefits of supply work.

Mary · Supply Teacher
17 Jul 2019
2 min read
The Trial Day: How to be Confident, Calm and Most Importantly Prepared

The Trial Day: How to be Confident, Calm and Most Importantly Prepared

As an ex-Spanish teacher and talent finder at Zen Educate, Sarah offers advice on one of the hardest parts of finding a role: The trial day.

Sarah O'Grady
14 Jul 2019
3 min read
Podcast recommendation of the week: Design thinking as pedagogy for students and educators

Podcast recommendation of the week: Design thinking as pedagogy for students and educators

This week’s podcast recommendation features Sandy Speicher, partner and managing director of education at IDEO, with Tom from Getting Smart, breaking down what design thinking is and why it’s so important for teachers and education leaders right now.

Hadley Webster
10 Jul 2019
2 min read
How to Have a Successful Day and Manage Your TAs as a Supply Teacher

How to Have a Successful Day and Manage Your TAs as a Supply Teacher

As an experienced supply teacher to many organisations and schools, there are some vital tips to support your practice when working with volunteers, teaching assistants, mentors, higher teaching assistants and one to one support.

Mel · Supply Teacher
7 Jul 2019
3 min read
Outside the Classroom

Outside the Classroom

It's not just about the classroom; schools now expect teachers to engage in the school and show an interest in extracurricular activities. Mary, a supply teacher, shares various ways for a teacher to integrate themselves into a school community.

Mary · Supply Teacher
3 Jul 2019
2 min read
Useful Tips for Supply Teachers That Have Been Trained Overseas

Useful Tips for Supply Teachers That Have Been Trained Overseas

Congratulations! You went through a rigorous training programme overseas and are now a qualified teacher. How do you transfer your training and experience to schools in the UK?

Anon Teacher
30 Jun 2019
3 min read
Tips for Relieving Teacher Stress

Tips for Relieving Teacher Stress

Stress management for a teacher can be a difficult task, sometimes seemingly impossible. Whether you are in your first years of teaching or have many years of experience, stress and teaching can often go hand-in-hand. Often times as a teacher, the work doesn’t end once you leave school. Learning management strategies for dealing with anxiety and a significant workload is important not only for your mental health, but for your overall well-being both in and out of the classroom. Consider the following tips to have a little more peace of mind, remembering that the first person you should take care of is yourself.

Hadley Webster
26 Jun 2019
3 min read
Entering Supply After Being a Classroom Teacher

Entering Supply After Being a Classroom Teacher

It is a hard adjustment from classroom teacher to supply teacher. There are substantial differences to the job both within and outside the school. It is important to be prepared for these changes so that you can make the most of your experience as a supply teacher.

Felicity · Supply Teacher
23 Jun 2019
3 min read
How to Overcome the Supply Teacher Effect

How to Overcome the Supply Teacher Effect

Coming back into supply teaching after leaving a full time teacher position after 5 years was a daunting prospect. I was familiar with the same school and the set procedures on a day to day basis. The children knew what I expected of them and were aware of the consequences of not following instructions or school rules. There are certain steps you can take to eliminate the "substitute teacher effect" and have a successful supply day.

Claudia · Supply Teacher
20 Jun 2019
4 min read
Keeping Children Safe in Education: What is Safeguarding?

Keeping Children Safe in Education: What is Safeguarding?

Safeguarding refers to the processes and policies in place used to protect children from abuse, including physical, mental, neglect, and bullying. It is designed in the best interest of the child in order to promote their own health and safety. As educators, it is imperative to understand how to handle a potential crisis situation and be able to offer the right kind of help.

Hadley Webster
16 Jun 2019
4 min read
My Journey as a Spanish Teacher in Birmingham

My Journey as a Spanish Teacher in Birmingham

As a follow-up to her first interview, we sat down with Sarah from our Teacher Success Team. Read our conversation about her experience teaching Spanish at secondary state schools in Birmingham and London.

Alice Rochford
18 May 2019
3 min read
Book Review: The Behaviour Guru

Book Review: The Behaviour Guru

An overview of Tom Bennett’s relatable, humorous and no-nonsense guide to behaviour management.

Mary A., teacher
8 Apr 2019
4 min read
What To Do Once You've Resigned

What To Do Once You've Resigned

Ever decided to take the leap before realising you don’t quite feel prepared for what’s to come? Read Zen’s guidelines for how to find a new role that suits you.

Oren Cohen, Zen Educate Co-founder
1 Apr 2019
4 min read
Why Do People Supply Teach?

Why Do People Supply Teach?

We asked our teachers and TAs what drew them to supply work. The results may surprise you.

Slava Kremerman, Zen Educate Co-founder
20 Mar 2019
3 min read
Making a Good Impression as a Supply Teacher

Making a Good Impression as a Supply Teacher

New to supply work? An experienced supply teacher shares her top tips for having a great day.

Felicity, Primary school teacher
8 Mar 2019
4 min read
Considering a New Teaching Job? A Guide Before Making a Decision

Considering a New Teaching Job? A Guide Before Making a Decision

Changing jobs may be an easy decision for some. For others, it may cause more stress than excitement. If that’s the case, here are some things to consider before making your choice.

Oren Cohen, Zen Educate Co-founder
27 Feb 2019
5 min read
My Experience Working With Zen Educate vs. a Traditional Agency

My Experience Working With Zen Educate vs. a Traditional Agency

Here at Zen, we're revolutionising supply teaching. Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what one of our teachers had to say about her experience with us.

Bernadette
7 Feb 2019
4 min read
Covering New Subjects as a Supply Teacher

Covering New Subjects as a Supply Teacher

Supply teaching brings with it a number of new, exciting experiences. If you find yourself having to cover an unknown subject, there are certain things you can do to prepare.

Secondary school teacher
4 Feb 2019
2 min read
How Can You Best Manage Behaviour as a Supply Teacher?

How Can You Best Manage Behaviour as a Supply Teacher?

Managing disruptive behaviour in a class where the students do not know you may seem like a daunting prospect. Read ahead for some valuable tips that will boost your confidence when working with a new class.

Edward
19 Dec 2018
4 min read
Survive and Thrive as a Supply Teacher in a Key Stage 2 Classroom

Survive and Thrive as a Supply Teacher in a Key Stage 2 Classroom

Teaching children in Key Stage 2 can be quite the challenge. One of our experienced teachers shared their top tips to improve your experience and boost your confidence.

Rupert
18 Dec 2018
3 min read
Becoming a Qualified Teacher as an HLTA

Becoming a Qualified Teacher as an HLTA

Starting out as a teacher after working as an HLTA can feel like quite a leap. One maths teacher shares their advice when making the transition with a PGCE.

Secondary school teacher
17 Dec 2018
4 min read
Top Tips For Marking Efficiently and Effectively as a Supply Teacher

Top Tips For Marking Efficiently and Effectively as a Supply Teacher

Marking work as a supply teacher can be difficult, but it doesn't have to take hours. One of our teachers has shared her top tips to help you mark efficiently after a day of supply.

Claire K
10 Sep 2018
2 min read
Teaching on the Other Side of the World: My Experience Teaching in the UK

Teaching on the Other Side of the World: My Experience Teaching in the UK

New to teaching in the UK? Here is one teacher's advice to help you find your feet.

Jill T
28 Aug 2018
3 min read
5 Things Canadians Should Consider When Thinking About Teaching in the UK

5 Things Canadians Should Consider When Thinking About Teaching in the UK

Moving to teach in the UK? Here's how to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Seb Fernando
27 Jun 2018
4 min read
Preparing for an Early Years Interview

Preparing for an Early Years Interview

Claire K
24 May 2018
4 min read
Planning For Success In Maths

Planning For Success In Maths

Roshan D
30 Apr 2018
3 min read
Inside Supply Teaching: Safie B

Inside Supply Teaching: Safie B

Safie B
20 Mar 2018
2 min read
Inside Supply Teaching: Jill T

Inside Supply Teaching: Jill T

Jill T
18 Jan 2018
2 min read
Practical Tips For Supply Teaching

Practical Tips For Supply Teaching

Daryl Cheah
20 Jun 2017
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