Things they do not tell you about supply.

When I first decided to go on supply, I was really nervous. I'd heard lots of horror stories, lots of classes with pupils fighting and throwing things and generally playing up. And, okay, some of my experiences have been difficult. On supply, you don't sick leave, or free periods, or much notice about what you're teaching. Driving around an unknown area in the rush hour is stressful, and you constantly feel like the new kid. That's the stuff you hear about, the bad stuff.

But here are the things they do not tell you about. Despite its pay irregularities and the early morning phone calls, supply has been a really positive experience for me. Here are some of the reasons why.

1. I have learned so much more in 4 months than I did on pgce. My first day of supply was my first day alone in a classroom. I went home and cried because I felt like I was an awful teacher because the class only completed two out of four tasks. Then my agency rang me to say that the school had requested me for the next day. I filled out my reflective journal - because some of the paper exercises of pgce are incredibly useful - pulled up my socks and went back. I have learned a lot about resilience, about challenging myself, about progressing despite making mistakes.

2. Sometimes, you get to meet amazing classes. I had a group of six formers who inspired me beyond belief. They were intelligent, articulate, capable young adults, and even though I only spent a morning in their company I know they will go on to great things. I spent a period with a year ten drama group who told me exactly what they wanted to do, divided themselves in to groups and got on with it. And they were spectacular. Most people, I hope, are teachers because they love young people, love to be around them, want to inspire them and help them. Supply doesn't mean you don't get to do this.

3. It is a wonderful way of seeing the school-world. By that, I mean that I have had the opportunity to visit many schools and, should jobs come up, I know instantly whether or not they are jobs I want to apply for. You get to experience different discipline policies, management structures and timetables, and I have found this a great asset.

4. It is, without doubt, the best behaviour management cpd you could ask for. I have learned a lot about different classes and different behaviour strategies. I am not a shouter, and sometimes I have had to resort to this on supply. It makes me feel like a failure, but it pushes me to find new ways to control a class to avoid having to ever shout again.

5. I can not think of any other way you would get to meet so many classes. The pupils are, for me, the best thing about supply. I love seeing different classes, watching them show off their skills to a new teacher, seeing how they react to a 'new' person. It's exciting, and, despite all the negatives people reel off, I love it.

It was important to me to talk about the positives about supply, because I want to be very clear about the fact that, whatever else I may post about, I genuinely love it. It has helped me in so many ways. When I came to supply, I wanted to get back in to teaching after illness. My confidence was at an all time low. Four months later, I feel like a 'real' teacher again. When I am in a classroom, I feel like I am where I belong. I love going in to a school and learning its policies and taking on its style, and then the next day, it all begins again.

So, if you are nearing the end of your ITT and don't yet have a post, don't see supply as second best. Think of it as a million new opportunities each day, and embrace each one.