How to Build Rapport with Students Quickly as a Supply Teacher
Build rapport with students as a supply teacher in a few simple steps to make teaching a breeze, and make everything go smoothly while working.
At First Class Supply, we understand how important it is to build rapport with students as a supply teacher. Luckily, though, this can be done in a few steps and a lot of patience, but don’t expect everything to be easy, and always bear in mind that things can differ from class to class.
To build rapport as a supply teacher, greet students warmly, show genuine interest in their learning, and set clear yet friendly expectations from the start.
But, there is more to it, and many more things that you can do to ensure that both you and your students have a good time, and learn everything you need to. From setting boundaries and clarifying expectations to getting students involved and actively listening to what they have to say, you can achieve synergy like never before.
If you want to register as a supply teacher, our step-by-step guide can help you. Or, if you want to find out more about CV tips for applying, and our gender pay gap report, we are happy to help.
Why Does Rapport Matter for Supply Teachers?
Knowing how to build rapport with students as a supply teacher builds a strong foundation of trust that you and your students need to create a positive atmosphere and suitable classroom for learning. However, getting there can be challenging if you don’t know what you are doing!
5 quick ways to connect with students as a supply teacher
- Set reasonable boundaries quickly
- Ask your students what they expect or need from you
- Learn student names as soon as possible
- Acknowledge positive behaviours and reinforce them
- Let them know that you are listening to them
First Impressions: How Do You Start Strong in a New Classroom?
To build rapport with students as a supply teacher, you should greet students, show genuine interest, be mindful of your mood, and learn your students names. You should also set clear boundaries and expectations while remaining friendly and approachable at all times – you are their teacher, but you need to work as a team!
Immediate things that you should start doing as a supply teacher with a new classroom:
- Greet students at the door – doing this not only helps students become more familiar with you, but shows a level of care and devotion to them and your career
- Learn and use the names of your students – learn as many student’s names as possible, and make and effort to use those names to show that you care and take interest in your teaching and your class as a whole
- Be friendly and approachable – this doesn’t mean you have to be all smiles all the time, but have a good attitude, don’t be mean, and be available when your students need you (within working hours, at least)
As you work as a supply teacher, you should also strive to do the following to help build rapport and ensure that your classroom is a good environment for your students at all times:
- Show genuine interest in your students – this could be learning everyone’s names, listening when they talk about hobbies, showing support for any sports they do, and taking notice of how they learn and react in the classroom
- Don’t let your problems be their problems – we all have bad days, but students are going through enough at any given time. Never make your bad mood their problem, and be a reliable and caring adult that they can go to whenever they need to
- Actively listen to what your students have to say – give students your full attention when they speak and let them know that you are listening. Nod, make eye contact, and respond.
- Incorporate the interests of your students into lessons – if possible, incorporate some interests into classroom activities. For example, if there is a specific movie lots of them enjoy, tailor questions to include characters or in-world scenarios
What Are Some Effective Icebreakers to Engage Students Quickly?
What you do to build rapport with students as a supply teacher might change depending on how old your students are, if they are special needs, what class you are teaching, and where you are. There are some games like Teacher vs Student Game that are fantastic icebreakers that you can incorporate, too.
More general ice breaking behaviours and actions that you could implement in your classes might include the following:
- Answer appropriate questions that they have – students should be allowed to get to know you through appropriate questions, and you should be willing to answer them to build rapport. If you have no-go topics, let them know beforehand
- Have a sense of humour about things – no one wants to be stuck in a classroom with someone who doesn’t have a sense of humour, so show that you are human, too. However, make sure not to force it, as this will only make your classroom uncomfortable
- Let students know how you want to be addressed – depending on where and who you are teaching, you might ask to be called Mr/Mrs/Miss, or your first name. You should also let them know your preferred pronouns to encourage inclusivity, openness, and understanding
How Do You Set Clear Expectations While Staying Approachable?
Build rapport with students as a supply teacher and set clear expectations by letting students know about your non-negotiables and making it clear that you value their opinions and preferences. This will allow you to work as a team, rather than appear as some kind of dictator, which they will inherently butt heads with.
Let Students Know What is Non-Negotiable
It’s crucial to let your students know what is non-negotiable in your classroom, and explain why if an explanation is required. This can be different for every teacher, and it can be tough for students to know exactly what you expect from them, so write it down!
Some examples of rules that could be non-negotiables for your classroom could be:
- Always clean up around your desk before you go
- No backtalk (make sure you explain exactly what this is – an impudent, argumentative, or insolent reply – and give some examples)
- Always ask nicely and take ‘no’ for an answer
- Speak respectfully to and about each other and teachers
Get Your Students Involved
This could mean that you could get your students to come up with things that will help them do well in your class, or it could mean that you ask them for feedback on your plan to do things. Don’t be afraid to have a real conversation with your students and discuss the topic.
Make notes on what they have to say, and make adjustments where you need to. You can pick and choose where necessary, but always be reasonable and flexible. You are not there to flaunt power over your students – you are there to work with them and help them achieve their goals.
Ask Your Students What They Need From You
It’s crucial to ask your students what they need from you, and what would make your class better for them. Remember that, while you are the teacher, it’s your responsibility to nurture your students’ minds and knowledge, and this can only happen when they are getting everything they need.
You could ask if students:
- Like to work in groups, pairs, or on their own
- Like to work in a quiet classroom, or work better with low noise levels
- Learn better with different mediums (visuals, verbal, or instructions, etc)
Bear in mind that you will always get a mixed bag of results, and while you might not always be able to cater to everyone’s preferences all the time, you can help where possible. Doing this can also help students better understand themselves and one other, and can help with building confidence and understanding in your sessions.
How Do You Use Positive Reinforcement to Build Trust as a Supply Teacher?
To build rapport with students as a supply teacher, you need to be consistent with reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is the best, and can come in many different forms, which you should tailor to your class or even individual students for the best results.
How First Class Supply Supports Supply Teachers
Knowing how to build rapport with students as a supply teacher is crucial, and it can make or break your teaching wherever you are. However, with these tips and tricks, you should have no problem succeeding and achieving your goals of being their best teacher.
Looking for more tips and support as a supply teacher? Contact First Class Supply today for expert guidance and top teaching opportunities!
For more information, why not check out our community support, testimonials and meet the team? We also have information for schools and teachers, and like to keep you up-to-date on news.
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