Today is World Teachers’ Day, a day to celebrate educators around the world. I work in a school, have many teacher friends and am also married to a teacher, so I know better than most what a difficult job it can be.
From the outside it seems like teachers have a short working day and a lot of cushy holidays, but the reality is that most teachers work many extra hours marking and planning after school and in ‘holidays’ to ensure their students have the best learning resources. My husband often works until 8pm at school and is never without his laptop, even when we go abroad.
Teachers have to deal with a wide range of challenges in and out of the classroom, including making lessons accessible to students of varying ability (some of whom have complex needs), dealing with behavioural problems and handling sensitive pastoral issues. They have to play many roles, such as educator, authority figure, mediator, counsellor and mentor. It can be a thankless and stressful job as well as a rewarding one.
I was lucky enough to have several inspiring teachers that instilled in me a life-long love of learning. My primary school headmaster was a wonderful man who helped me overcome many confidence issues and encouraged me to pursue my dreams. Then in high school I encountered many supportive and enthusiastic teachers who went the extra mile to help me with my studies. I’m not naming names, but they know who they are. I feel very grateful for all the opportunities I was given throughout my education.
Below is an infographic that highlights the importance of teachers around the world, courtesy of grammarly.com.
Was there a teacher who made a difference in your life? Let me know in the comments!
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