Trying to gain ‘relevant’ experience for future job application when on supply is tricky as you only get what you get. Planning for financial security is difficult and demoralising being on long term supply, even with a strong support network behind you.
Demoralising applying for supply posts and not hearing back/not getting the job even if you are quick to respond/apply. Planning for your future is extremely difficult and severely affects mental health.
This is answer 134 of the 269 written answers that teachers let us quote anonymously in the Scottish Teacher Employment Survey 2026. It answers the survey’s last question: what do the people who make decisions about teacher employment need to know?
We have corrected spelling, added paragraph breaks and removed details that could identify anyone. Words in square brackets are ours.