As a less than model student in classes full of similar disruptive types at my failing comprehensive school, I have always retained a sneaking admiration for teachers.
Especially those whose daily task it is to educate cocky teenagers who, of course, already know more than any stupid adult could ever teach them.
But teaching is far from the only duty expected of trained educators these days.
They’re often social workers, first aiders and counsellors, a listening ear when all is not right at home, on top of the lesson planning, the marking, the dreaded parents’ evenings, and the “my little Johnny would NEVER do that” accusations.
Pupils, we know, can never be truly thrilled with someone who regularly gives them homework when they should – of course! – be on their PlayStations.
A teacher’s work is never done. And yet they’re always taking the blame for something. Especially when the beyond awful Michael Gove was Education Secretary and did his best to destroy their spirit altogether.
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, though, teachers are among those we’ve looked to as constants, the teachers who’ve been expected to keep calm and carry on when all else is in a flurry.
It’s my pleasure, then, to give a voice to Liam Hinkley, a headteacher who contacted me and told me that teachers “smile wryly at the advice, initiatives and whims of an education system obsessed with accountability and change; with schools often seen as the ‘cure’ for every ill facing our society – obesity, domestic abuse, anxiety, you name it”, he says.
“We respond with pragmatism and good humour.”
Liam remarks that his colleagues “are honoured to work in one of the best professions; uniquely able to make a difference to the young people we are trusted to educate and care for”.
“We are the key to every pupil’s future,” he says, “inspiring confidence and supporting all children to be their very best.
“Occasionally we perform less well,” he admits, “but we refuel and recharge, acting as social workers, counsellors, psychologists and, dare I say it, parents.”
He reckons it’s “not at all surprising that every school in the land responded” to the Covid-19 pandemic with minimal guidance and less than 48 hours’ notice.
“We closed schools and armed every pupil with a pack of resources on Friday to begin learning at home on the following Monday; with headteachers asked to provide care for key workers and vulnerable children, even though, they too, may be homeschooling, have babies to care for, or are perhaps even grappling with underlying health conditions.”
Thank you, Liam.
Readers – let’s hear it for our amazing teachers!
