At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with literacy and supervise classes across various subjects.
- Company: Teaching Personnel, dedicated to educational support and student welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rates, weekly pay, free training, and dedicated consultant support.
- Other info: Great starting point for future teaching careers with potential for permanent roles.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while gaining valuable classroom experience.
- Qualifications: Degree in English or related field, passion for literacy, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Teaching Personnel is looking for an English graduate for a long-term placement across secondary schools in Durham from September 2026, combining literacy support work with cover supervision across a range of subjects.
This is a role that makes genuine use of your degree. As a literacy support specialist, you'll be working directly with students who are struggling with reading, writing, and communication — helping them to access the wider curriculum with greater confidence. Alongside this, you'll take on cover supervision duties, stepping into classes across various subjects and ensuring learning continues effectively in a teacher's absence.
For an English graduate considering a career in teaching, educational support, or SEND, it is difficult to think of a better starting point. You'll be developing real classroom skills, working with students at close range every day, and building a profile of experience that will strengthen any future teacher training application considerably.
What the role involves:
- Delivering structured literacy interventions on a 1:1 and small group basis
- Supporting students with reading, writing, and communication across the curriculum
- Supervising classes and delivering pre-set work across a range of subjects
- Managing classroom behaviour and maintaining a positive learning environment
We’re looking for:
- A degree in English, English Literature, English Language, or a related discipline
- A genuine passion for literacy and its role in student progress
- Confidence in a classroom environment
- Strong communication skills and the ability to adapt to different students and settings
- An enthusiasm for working with young people at secondary level
- Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one)
What Teaching Personnel offers:
- Competitive daily rates
- Weekly pay via PAYE
- Dedicated consultant support
- Free CPD and ongoing training
- A strong foundation for teacher training or permanent roles in education
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ's on the Teaching Personnel website for details. Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance 'Keeping Children Safe in Education'. We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
English Graduate - Literacy Support in Durham employer: Teaching Personnel
Teaching Personnel is an exceptional employer for English graduates seeking to make a meaningful impact in education. With a strong commitment to professional development, competitive pay, and dedicated consultant support, you will gain invaluable classroom experience while working closely with students to enhance their literacy skills. Our supportive work culture fosters growth and provides a solid foundation for future teaching careers, all within the vibrant educational landscape of Durham.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land English Graduate - Literacy Support in Durham
✨Get Involved in EdTech Communities
Dive into digital learning and education forums like EdSurge or join EdTech Meetups. Engaging with industry professionals can give you insights into the latest trends and potentially lead to opportunities that'll help you land that placement.
✨Show Off Your Passion for Learning
Create a blog or vlog showcasing your insights on online learning, teaching strategies, or educational tools. Share this on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn, where education innovators hang out—proving your passion might just open doors for that placement at Teaching Personnel.
✨Utilise University Career Services
Don’t forget about your university’s career centre! They often have tailored resources for placements, including connections with local firms. Make them your secret weapon in your search for that perfect spot at Teaching Personnel.
✨Engage with Digital Learning Events
Keep an eye out for webinars, workshops, or conferences related to digital education. These not only help you learn but are also networking goldmines where you can chat with people looking for placement interns like yourself—with a little luck, it could lead you straight to Teaching Personnel.
We think you need these skills to ace English Graduate - Literacy Support in Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Digital Skills:In the digital learning education space, it's super important to highlight any tech skills you have. Make sure your CV mentions any platforms you're familiar with, as well as any digital tools or teaching software you’ve used in the past. This helps us see how tech-savvy you are and if you’d fit in with our digital vibe at Teaching Personnel.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:Since this is a placement, we’re looking for genuine interest in the field. Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about digital education and how this opportunity will help you grow. Share specific examples of what you hope to learn and achieve during your time at Teaching Personnel.
Include Relevant Projects or Experiences:If you’ve worked on any projects related to digital learning—be it through university, past jobs, or even volunteer work—don’t just list them. Explain your role and the impact you made. This will help us gauge your real-world experience and how you might contribute to our team.
Academic Achievements Matter:While it’s not all about grades, sharing your relevant academic achievements can certainly help your application stand out. If you’ve taken courses or received certificates that relate to digital learning, highlight those in your CV. It shows us that you’re dedicated to your studies and serious about entering this field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Teaching Personnel
✨Showcase Your Passion for Learning
When you're going for a placement in digital learning and education, it's crucial to highlight your enthusiasm for innovative teaching methods. Share examples from your studies or projects where you’ve embraced new learning technologies or strategies, as it shows you're not just a candidate but a future advocate for digital education.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect interview questions that put you in real-world scenarios common to the field. For example, you might be asked how you'd handle a disengaged student in a digital classroom. Practising these situation-based questions can help us illustrate our problem-solving skills effectively, so think through potential challenges and your creative solutions.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Tools
Make sure you know your way around popular digital learning platforms and tools (like Moodle or Google Classroom). Be prepared to discuss any experience you have with them, as this can set us apart. If you’ve created or used any learning resources, definitely have them ready to share during the interview.
✨Emphasise Your Eager to Learn
Since this is a placement, showing that you're a keen learner is key. Talk about your adaptability, willingness to take on challenges, and how you seek feedback. They want to see that you’re ready to absorb all the knowledge and skills possible during your time with Teaching Personnel. Let’s make them feel excited about what we can bring to the team!