World Teacher Day

Wednesday this week was World Teacher Day, one of a couple of days each year that are geared towards recognising those who work in education. To me of course it’s not just about teachers – roughly half of all my colleagues are not teachers, and the work that they do in school is every bit as important. That small point aside, I like these days that encourage people to take a moment to think about those who work in education. Our jobs are a privilege of course, but like many vocations they can also be challenging and demanding. Many of my colleagues regularly go above and beyond the call of duty and I certainly appreciate it, as I know our students do too.

From time to time we remind students that there are ways to show appreciation to those adults who help them out in school. To be honest they don’t really need a reminder, and I am always struck by how many of our students thank their teachers as they leave a class. It’s the small things that make a difference.

This week, if they want to, students have been filling in postcards to say a thank you to any members of staff who they feel particularly grateful to. It’s been lovely to see the cards being handed out and the way in which they are appreciated by members of staff. It’s a sign that even in a school as large as MHS, positive personal connections and mutual respect is there. Whilst many colleagues got plenty of postcards I was very pleased to get one from a lad in my Year 11 class. On it he reminded me of a time last week when, in a welcome but rare display of leadership (for him), this young man took charge of a moment of debate in the lesson. When I dared to question what he was doing he replied authoritatively ‘Sir, please sit down and be quiet whilst I am teaching the class’. I duly did as I was told. But, when he was taking too long to start work in our lesson yesterday, I took great delight in using his own words against him. To be fair, he took it very well. Working with teenagers can be great sometimes!

Have a good weekend and thanks to all the educationalists out there, wherever you are.

Joe Barker

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