Guide to writing a cover supervisor CV (tips and examples)

If you want to pursue a career in education, teaching and working with children and young people, you might consider applying to become a cover supervisor. Cover supervisors provide valuable support in schools, supervising pupils and classes while full-time teaching staff are unavailable or on a short-term absence. If you're thinking of applying for work as a cover supervisor, you might wish to spend some time writing and reviewing your CV, making sure it contains the most suitable and relevant content and structure.

In this article, we describe a cover supervisor CV, review the steps you can take if you are interested in learning how to write one, explore a template of this type of CV and discover an example to help you write one on your own.

Related: Cover supervisor interview techniques (with examples)

What is a cover supervisor?

Cover supervisor is a support role within the education sector that involves supervising pupils and classes for short periods while their regular teachers are unavailable. Cover supervisors may oversee pupils in a classroom setting and supervise exercises and activities that their regular teacher has already set for them. The task involves managing the classroom and ensuring pupils remain focused and complete their work.

A cover supervisor is similar to a supply teacher, though unlike supply teaching, working as a cover supervisor doesn't require a formal teaching qualification, as they don't deliver any actual teaching as part of their duties. It can be a valuable way to gain experience in a classroom before becoming a teacher or gaining teaching qualifications. It can also be a useful way for qualified teachers or teaching assistants to gain flexible, part-time work.

Related: How to become a supply teacher in 8 steps (plus definition)

How to write a cover supervisor CV

Here is a list of steps that you can take if you are interested in learning more about how to write a cover supervisor CV:

1. Start with your contact details

To begin your CV, you can include your name and contact details. The typical approach is to include your full name and any professional titles you may have earned. This can be particularly relevant if you're a qualified teacher. Include your telephone number, email address and location, as this can help hiring managers or recruiters contact you easily if they require additional information or want to invite you for an interview.

Related: Everything you need to know about how much teachers make

2. Write a professional summary

The professional summary is the first part of your CV that a hiring manager or recruiter reads. It's usually a two or three-sentence summary of your background and professional experience, which gives an initial indication of your suitability for the role. You might decide to mention any previous experience of teaching or working closely with children and young people, together with any strengths and skills that make you a suitable candidate for the role. This is also an opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to teaching and education as a career.

Related: How to get teaching experience (plus benefits of doing so)

3. Mention your educational achievements

The education section of your CV is an opportunity to list your qualifications and any relevant certifications or training you've undertaken. Although cover supervisor roles typically don't require you to be a qualified teacher, many employers favour candidates with a degree. There are several other qualifications that may prove useful, including a Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools or a Level 3 Certificate in Cover Supervision of Pupils in Schools.

Be sure to list all your relevant educational achievements and certifications that are relevant to the role. For each, list the name of the certification, the institution that issued it, and the location of the institution. If you have graduated within the last three years, you can also include your date of graduation.

Related: How to get a teaching job (plus FAQs and top skills)

4. Include your relevant work experience

The work experience section provides an opportunity to list any relevant work you've done in the past and outline any key duties and responsibilities transferrable to a cover supervisor position. If you've worked in an educational setting in the past or have experience working with children and young people, it's important to mention this here. In highlighting your key responsibilities, try to focus on tasks and duties that match the duties listed in the job description or indicate that you can carry out the main duties of a cover supervisor.

Related: What does a teaching assistant do? (Plus duties and salary)

5. List your key skills

Finish your CV by listing any skills you have that are relevant to the position of cover supervisor. These can be hard skills, including teaching skills or an understanding of curriculums and teaching methods. You may also mention the soft skills that make you a suitable candidate for the role. Some skills that might be relevant to cover supervisor positions are:

• flexibility

• strong communication skills

• passion for working with children

• knowledge of teaching methods and theory

• knowledge of child development

• ability to build relationships

• IT skills

Related: How much does a teaching assistant make? (With helpful tips)

Cover supervisor CV template

Here is a CV template for the role of a cover supervisor that you can use when writing your CV for this role:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [County]

Professional Summary

[Two to three sentences that highlight your years of experience, relevant skills, education or certifications and achievements as an entry-level professional].

Education

[Degree], [Major] | [Date of graduation]
[Name of School or University]

Optional

[Certification Name], [Host organisation] – [Year completed or expiration date]

Experience

[Job title] | [Employment dates]
[Company name] | [City], [County]

• [(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results.]

• [Job duty]

• [Job duty]

• [Job duty]

• [Job duty]

[Job title] | [Employment dates]
[Company name] | [City], [County]

• [(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results.]

• [Job duty]

• [Job duty]

Skills

[Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill]

Related: Teaching skills: definition and examples

Cover supervisor CV example

The CV below is an example of an application for a cover supervisor position, using the structure detailed in the template above:

Joanna Singh 07261 794354 | Joanna.Singh@email.com | Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham

Professional Summary

An enthusiastic, flexible cover supervisor with two years of experience working with primary-aged children in various subjects and classroom settings. Passionate about education, child development and pursuing a career in teaching.

Education

English Literature | 2020
University of Green Hills

Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools, City and Guilds - 2020

Experience

Cover Supervisor | 2020-present
The Education Agency | Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham

• Supervising classrooms at all primary ages, ensuring the completion of work in a timely and orderly manner.

• Developing relationships with pupils quickly and naturally to create trust and a positive learning environment.

• Working closely with school administrators and other teachers to ensure smooth and seamless covering of lessons and classes.

• Responding quickly and flexibly to offers of work, including travelling beyond the local area when necessary.

• Communicating closely with agency staff to maintain a schedule of my availability.

Summer Camp Supervisor | 2017-2019
The Summer Camp | Darlington, County Durham

• Supervised activities for children aged 5-11 as a part-time job during the summer holidays.

• Led arts and craft activities, including developing schedules and creating different classes and activities for children to attend.

• Developed strong relationships with children from all backgrounds with various special educational needs.

Skills

Flexibility | Developing strong relationships | Teamwork | Passion for working with children | Knowledge of the National Curriculum

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.