A few decades ago, the mention of a supply teaching agency brought two things to mind. One: it was an agency or outfit that helped teachers secure employment, two: it is where learning institutions turned to when they needed teachers. Simply put, it was the meeting point of teachers and their potential employers. Well, the role of the agency has still remained the same. However, new trends have also emerged. This is being driven by the changes in the industry, new demands from parents as well as the teachers themselves. A closer look at the UK agency market for teaching reveals the following:
Diversification
In the early days, a teaching agency was charged with helping qualified teachers secure employment in the region. This entailed advertising for job openings on behalf of the interested party, accepting application from the job seekers, and also maintaining a database. Over time, the demand for teachers as well as teaching related services went up. This forced the agencies to also consider offering additional services in the field of teaching. These included recruiting teaching assistants, nursery staff, private tutors, kindergarten staff, and other support staff. The firm was therefore seen as a one-stop-shop for all teaching requirements. Furthermore, the services are offered around the clock.
Look Beyond Borders
Initially, a recruitment agency for teachers based in the UK mainly focused on the region. Majority of the prospective teachers as well as the institutions of learning were located in the region. As time went by, the demand for teachers or schools and colleges wasn’t been met. In addition, the education system was also becoming global rather than regional. This led to recruiters going across the borders in search of qualified teachers. At the same time, teachers in the region were also seeking opportunities beyond the borders. The overseas recruitment was and is made possible thanks to advancement in information technology more so the internet.
Value Added Teaching Services
With the education system becoming global and the regional needs changing regularly, teaching agencies saw it fit to offer value added services to the sector. Besides recruiting teachers, a teaching agency will also offer services aimed at making a teacher better equipped. The services are usually offered online and may include career guidance, educational upgrade, or courses that teach about culture in a foreign country. Teachers who may have been out of the classroom for many years may also benefit from return to teaching classes.
No one can deny that recruiting agencies have gone and are still going through a renaissance. As a matter of fact, they are becoming better suited for the modern teaching environment. This is making it much easier for employers as well as the prospective teachers to secure the desired services. Nonetheless, a potential employer or employee still needs to look around for the best deal. Factors to take into account during the search will include variety of service, experience, reputation, ratings and much. Employers also find it ideal to consider a supply teaching agency that offers value added services such as interviewing the applicants.