Our Journey
TeachDirect Recruitment was founded with a clear mission: to connect dedicated, high-quality educators with schools across South Wales — and to do it with integrity, care, and professionalism.
Having both worked in education and youth development, our co-founders Stephen and Joe saw first-hand how the right support staff or teacher can transform a learning environment. They also saw the challenges — schools under pressure, supply staff feeling like an afterthought, and agencies that often prioritised numbers over people.
That’s why TeachDirect was created — to be different.
From day one, we’ve focused on building genuine, lasting relationships with both schools and staff. We take the time to understand each school’s values, culture, and needs, while also listening to what our candidates want from their roles. Whether it's long-term cover or day-to-day supply, we believe every placement matters.
What began as a small, values-driven agency has quickly grown into a trusted recruitment partner for schools across South Wales — and a supportive, reliable agency for teachers and teaching assistants looking to build fulfilling careers.
Together, we aim to empower educators through meaningful opportunities and create a better, more personalised experience for schools across the region.
Core Principles
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At TeachDirect Recruitment, everything we do is guided by our five key principles. These values shape the way we work with schools, support our educators, and grow our business with purpose and trust.
1. Integrity
We believe in doing the right thing — always. That means being honest, transparent, and fair in every decision we make. From clear communication to ethical recruitment practices, integrity is at the heart of everything we do.
2. Personal Approach
We treat people like people — not just placements. Whether you’re a school leader or a newly qualified teacher, we take the time to understand your needs and build genuine, lasting relationships. Our team is always just a phone call away, offering real support with a human touch.
3. Reliability
Schools and staff need a service they can count on — especially in times of pressure. We pride ourselves on being dependable, responsive, and proactive. If we say we’ll do something, we do it — and we do it well.
4. Quality
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all recruitment. Every candidate we represent is carefully vetted, trained, and matched to schools where they can thrive. Our goal is not just to fill a role, but to make placements that genuinely work — for both the school and the educator.
5. Growth Through Support
We believe in helping people grow — not just placing them. Whether it’s offering tailored advice, safeguarding training, or helping a school find long-term solutions, we’re here to build careers, strengthen teams, and support the long-term success of everyone we work with.
Our Team
Stephen Scarfi
Co-Founder
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Stephen brings a wealth of experience from across the education sector, having taught in a wide range of settings including UK state secondary schools, middle schools, international schools, and independent junior and senior schools. This varied background has given him a strong understanding of how different school environments operate — and the unique staffing challenges each one faces.
Having worked at the heart of the classroom, Stephen knows the pressures educators deal with daily — from managing workload and supporting diverse learners to adapting to ever-evolving expectations. His first-hand experience has shaped his belief that the right teacher or support staff member can make a genuine difference to a school community.
At TeachDirect Recruitment, Stephen is committed to building strong, honest relationships with both schools and candidates. He personally interviews every educator we work with and takes the time to understand each school’s ethos and staffing needs. His goal is simple: to ensure that every placement is a great match — not just on paper, but in practice.
Whether you're a school looking for dependable, high-quality staff, or an educator seeking a supportive agency that understands your world, Stephen’s thoughtful and experienced approach ensures you’re in safe hands.
Joe Calzaghe Jr
Co-Founder
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Joe brings a dynamic background in education and youth engagement, having spent many years running successful extracurricular programmes across the UK. As the founder of the renowned Calzaghe Mini Dragons non-contact boxing club, Joe has worked with dozens of schools to deliver sessions that promote discipline, confidence, fitness, and fun in a safe, inclusive environment.
Drawing on his family's celebrated boxing legacy, Joe has built strong relationships with schools and local authorities, gaining a deep understanding of how to engage young people — especially those who benefit from positive role models and structured support beyond the classroom.
At TeachDirect Recruitment, Joe brings that same energy, dedication, and people-first mindset to every partnership. He’s passionate about finding the right opportunities for educators and ensuring schools are supported with staff who bring more than just qualifications — people who connect, inspire, and make a difference.
Joe is known for his approachable style, honest communication, and relentless work ethic. Whether he’s guiding a candidate through their first placement or helping a school navigate a last-minute staffing need, Joe makes sure the process is smooth, supportive, and centred on quality.
Emma Johnson
Recruitment Consultant
Liam Smith
Talent Acquisition Specialist
Success Stories
1. From NQT to Full-Time Teacher
"I joined TeachDirect straight after qualifying and wasn’t sure where to start. Joe and Stephen took the time to get to know me and what I wanted from my first role. Within a week, I was placed in a supportive school that helped me complete my induction. I’ve since been offered a permanent contract there! I couldn’t have asked for a better start to my teaching career."
— Emily J., Primary Teacher
2. A Confident Return to the Classroom
"After a few years out of teaching to raise my family, I was nervous about returning. TeachDirect didn’t just throw me into a school — they listened, offered guidance, and made sure I was comfortable before every placement. Now I’m back in the classroom, loving it, and even working towards a permanent post!"
— Sarah T., Secondary English Teacher
3. Career Change Success
"I made the leap into education after working in retail for over a decade. With no idea where to begin, I found TeachDirect. They were supportive from day one, offering me TA roles that helped me gain confidence and experience. I'm now enrolled on a PGCE course and pursuing my dream of becoming a teacher."
— Jason M., Teaching Assistant
4. From Supply to School Favourite
"What started as a few days of cover through TeachDirect quickly turned into a long-term placement in a local school. The staff told me they could tell I was well matched, and that’s thanks to Joe and Stephen taking the time to find the right fit. I now feel like part of the school community — and it all started with one phone call!"
— Katie L., Cover Supervisor
5. Support That Goes Beyond the Classroom
"I’ve worked with a few agencies before, but none as personal and responsive as TeachDirect. Stephen regularly checked in to see how I was settling in, and Joe was always quick to resolve any questions. It’s reassuring to work with people who genuinely care — not just about placing you, but about how you're doing."
— Liam R., SEN Teaching Assistant