There has been widespread shock over the murder this week of long-serving teacher Ann Maguire in a classroom in Leeds.
The much-loved teacher was described by present and former pupils of Corpus Christi Catholic college as the “mother of the school” who had taught generations of families.
Teaching unions have said that Maguire's death, while an isolated incident, highlights the continuing risks teachers face in their day-to-day job. The most recent statistics from the Department of Education show that problems with pupil behaviour, including violence against members of staff, have declined in recent years, albeit slowly.
To get an idea of the day-to-day experiences teachers have in the classroom in light of this tragic case, we'd like to hear from teachers from around the UK. What are the human stories behind the statistics mentioned above? What kind of challenges do you face as a teacher?
Equally, what are some of the most valuable, and treasured parts of your job? We'd also like to hear from former teachers. How have classrooms changed since you were teaching?
Share your stories with GuardianWitness and we will use the most interesting in our coverage. You can submit your stories anonymously, if you choose.
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