The Benefits of Working for a Teaching Agency

Becoming a teaching assistant can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. It can, however, also come with its own set of stresses and pressures, particularly when it comes to meeting the demands and expectations of Ofsted. Representatives of this year’s NASUWT annual conference labelled the regulatory body as a “major contributor to the excessive workload and bureaucracy that blights the lives of teachers”, accusing them of “mercilessly bullying”. (The Guardian)

Fortunately, there is an alternative option. Working for a teaching agency such as Magisters Education can be a great way to avoid some of these stresses and promote your overall wellbeing. As an agency teacher, you’ll have increased working flexibility, avoid any unnecessary admin, and be open to a wider range of available opportunities.

 

Added flexibility

A NASUWT survey of teachers found that long working hours are affecting their wellbeing, with more than four out of five saying their mental health has declined over the last 12 months. One of the key benefits of working for a teaching agency, however, is that it allows you to have more control over your schedule and workload. Instead of being tied to a specific school, you’ll have the freedom to work with multiple schools and organisations as an agency employee. This means you can choose the assignments and opportunities that best suit your skills and interests, as well as your personal schedule and preferences.

Additionally, teaching agencies often provide a support system for their teachers, including resources and training, which can help them to better manage their workload and cope with challenging situations. By working for an agency, teachers can also have a more diverse range of teaching experiences, which can be invigorating and refreshing, and can help to prevent burnout. You can also take breaks when you need them and focus on self-care and other activities that promote your wellbeing outside of work. This flexibility can be especially helpful when it comes to managing stress and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

 

Leave the worries of Ofsted in the past

When working for an agency, the responsibility for ensuring compliance with Ofsted and other regulatory requirements typically falls on the agency itself rather than on individual teachers. This can provide a sense of relief and peace of mind for teachers who may otherwise be worried about meeting these strict standards. You’ll benefit from a greater sense of security and support, allowing yourself to focus fully on teaching and your students.

Additionally, teaching agencies often have established relationships with schools and other educational institutions, which means that they are already aware of the specific regulatory requirements that need to be met. This can help teachers to feel more confident in their ability to meet these requirements and can reduce the amount of time and energy they need to devote to regulatory compliance.

 

Earn the pay you deserve

Following last month's teacher pay talks, the NASUWT’s general secretary is complaining about the government’s “miserable offer” and accusing ministers of “not [being] serious about compromising” during negotiations. With talks at a standstill and 87% of teachers reporting an increase in their overall workload, there’s never been a better time to switch to agency work and benefit from a more financially rewarding career.

Teaching agencies can typically pay more than traditional teaching roles because they’re motivated to attract and retain high-quality teachers, and they compete with schools and other agencies for the best talent. As a result, agencies often offer more competitive pay and benefits packages, as well as additional incentives such as sign-on bonuses and referral rewards. When working for an agency such as Magisters Education, you can earn more money while still enjoying the benefits of a flexible schedule and a supportive work environment.

 

Don’t settle for less; transition to agency work today

Overall, becoming an agency teaching assistant can be a great way to promote your wellbeing and avoid the stresses of regulatory bodies like Ofsted. By having more control over your schedule and workload, as well as access to a wider range of experiences and professional development opportunities, you can enjoy a more fulfilling and rewarding career in education. So why not consider joining a teaching agency today?