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FAQs: Subbing in Ireland

Subbing can feel like being thrown in at the deep end, one day you’re in a cosy Junior Infants classroom with Play-Doh everywhere, the next you’re explaining long division to 5th Class kids who definitely know more about TikTok than you. So, let’s break it all down and make subbing that little bit easier!



What’s the Story with Substitute Supply Panels?

Substitute Supply Panels were set up to make it easier for schools to get cover when a teacher is out. If you’re on one, you’ll have a fixed-term contract with a base school and then be sent to different schools to cover short-term absences (anything up to two weeks).

Right now, there are 167 supply panels covering 2,895 schools, with 590 teaching posts allocated, so yes, there’s plenty of subbing work going!


Who Can Sub?

Schools will always try to get a fully qualified teacher first, but if they can’t, these teachers can also step in:

  • Route 3 – Further Education Teachers

  • Route 4 – “Other” teachers

  • Route 5 – Student Teachers



💰 Pay alert!

  • If you’re on Route 4 – Other, you get paid at the unqualified sub rate unless you’re working in an SEN setting.

  • If you’re a student teacher (Route 5) or Further Ed teacher (Route 3), you’re paid at the unqualified sub rate.


How Do I Find Subbing Work?

  • Sub Seeker is a good option as it connects you to schools looking for subs.

  • Let your teaching friends know you’re available, word of mouth is huge!

  • If you’re keen on a particular school, pop in with your CV or send a friendly email to the principal.


Subbing in a Multigrade School– Help!

First things first, don’t panic! Multigrade classrooms might sound daunting, but they’re honestly just like a regular class, with a little extra differentiation thrown in.


📝 Top tips for surviving (and thriving) in a multigrade class:

  • Pair up students so they can support each other.

  • Let the kids guide you. They know the routine and will tell you what’s what!

  • Treat it like a normal class. Teachers differentiate all the time anyway. You’ve got this!


My Best Subbing Advice?

  • Be flexible: Some days you’ll have detailed plans left for you. Other days… not so much. Be ready to go with the flow.

  • Borrow ideas: I used to take pictures of classroom displays, activities, organisation hacks, and anything cool I saw, then save them into Google Drive folders by class level.

  • Be understanding: Some teachers might be under pressure and not as chatty in the staffroom. Don’t take it personally!

  • Keep a document of useful websites: You’ll thank yourself later when you’re planning last-minute lessons.

  • Don’t stress: You’re the sub, not the class teacher. Your job is to keep the kids happy, safe, and learning something.

  • Get there early: Even 10 minutes can make a difference! Have a peek at their books and plans so you’re not scrambling when the bell rings.

  • Pinterest is your best friend: Save quick and easy art ideas that don’t need much prep.

  • Keep a subbing log: Track where you subbed, what class, and when, especially for payroll (mistakes do happen!).


What’s in My Subbing Bag?

Never leave home without:

✔️ A few worksheets (crosswords, handwriting practice, quick activities)

✔️ Lined paper (kids always need it)

✔️ Colouring pages (for those just in case moments)

✔️ Stickers

✔️ A puppet (if you’re feeling brave!)

✔️ Whiteboard markers (because half the ones in classrooms are dry)

✔️ Mini notebook (jot down names, routines, or your own ideas)

✔️ Hand sanitiser & tissues


Subbing might feel like chaos at times, but it’s also a great way to see different schools, build experience, and pick up some brilliant teaching ideas along the way. Take the pressure off yourself, go with the flow, and enjoy it! Remember, rules and guidance change often, so keep an eye on the latest circulars and on the INTO website for recent and accurate information.


Got more subbing questions? Drop me a dm on Instagram, and I’ll do my best to answer!

 
 
 

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