Trainee Teacher - Cover Supervisor Role

Are you a graduate looking to become a secondary school teacher while earning a salary and gaining valuable classroom experience?

Grad2Teach is recruiting an aspiring Trainee Secondary Teacher to join a supportive secondary school, initially working as a Cover Supervisor while completing Phase One of the Grad2Teach salaried teacher training programme.

This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate or career changer who wants to build confidence in the classroom before progressing into independent teaching and formal Initial Teacher Training.

About the Role

As a Phase One Trainee Teacher, you will begin your journey in a Cover Supervisor role, giving you broad experience across the secondary curriculum while developing the practical skills required to become an effective teacher.

Your responsibilities may include:

• Supervising classes during teacher absence and delivering pre-planned work.
• Managing classroom behaviour and creating a positive learning environment.
• Supporting pupils across different subjects and year groups.
• Developing confidence in leading whole-class learning.
• Working alongside experienced teachers and school leaders.
• Observing effective classroom practice and applying what you learn.
• Building your understanding of planning, assessment, safeguarding and inclusive teaching.
• Gradually taking on greater classroom responsibility as your confidence and experience develop.

The Cover Supervisor position provides an excellent foundation for teacher training because it allows you to gain substantial classroom experience without immediately taking responsibility for a full teaching timetable.

Phase One – Build Your Classroom Experience

During Phase One, you will be employed in school while completing structured training with Grad2Teach.

Grad2Teach trainees complete an NCFE-accredited Level 4 Customised Qualification, designed to develop practical classroom skills and prepare trainees for progression into formal Initial Teacher Training. Phase One training includes areas such as lesson planning, behaviour, assessment, safeguarding and effective teaching practice.

Your development will be supported through practical school experience, training, reflection, observations and regular feedback. Grad2Teach's training is aligned with the professional expectations and standards required for progression towards becoming a qualified teacher.

About You

We are looking for a motivated graduate who is genuinely interested in building a long-term career in secondary education.

You could be an excellent fit if you:

• Hold a degree and are considering becoming a qualified teacher.
• Have a genuine enthusiasm for working with young people.
• Are confident communicating with secondary-age pupils.
• Can establish clear expectations and manage classroom behaviour.
• Are reliable, professional and willing to learn.
• Respond positively to coaching, mentoring and constructive feedback.
• Want to gain meaningful school experience before progressing to independent teaching.
• Are committed to developing into a confident and capable secondary teacher.

Previous school experience can be beneficial, but this opportunity is particularly suited to graduates and career changers who want a structured route into teaching rather than being expected to teach independently from day one.

Training & Progression

Grad2Teach provides a structured, salaried route designed to help you develop from a graduate trainee into a confident classroom teacher.

Phase One: You will work as a Cover Supervisor while completing your Level 4 qualification and developing your classroom practice.

As your experience grows, you will work towards the Teachers’ Standards, building evidence of your development through practical experience, observations and professional reflection.

Phase Two: Once you are ready to progress, you can move into formal Initial Teacher Training and take greater responsibility for your own teaching timetable.

Grad2Teach supports recognised routes to Qualified Teacher Status, including the PGCE with QTS through Coventry University, alongside other pathways depending on experience, eligibility and the school setting. Successful trainees on the PGCE route can achieve QTS, a PGCE and 60 credits towards a Master's degree.

This means you can earn, train and develop in school, building your confidence progressively rather than entering the profession with a full teaching timetable from the outset.

Why Train with Grad2Teach?

Grad2Teach specialises in salaried, school-based teacher training for graduates, career changers and existing school support staff.

The programme combines real classroom experience with structured professional development, allowing you to learn within a school environment while working towards becoming a fully qualified teacher.

If you are currently considering roles such as Cover Supervisor, Graduate Teaching Assistant, Unqualified Teacher or Trainee Teacher, Grad2Teach can provide a clear pathway towards a professional teaching career.