The normal role of a teacher (if there ever was one) has been shaken and stirred. So in case you’ve forgotten - never forget that you (yes, you!) do a vital, essential, brilliant and important job, and deserve to be celebrated.
Teaching is rarely plain sailing, but this year has been something else. You’ve adapted, discovered new talents, worried, worked your socks off – had some highs, and a few wobbles. You’ve obeyed rigid rules and experienced crippling uncertainty. And all the time, felt deep concern for your pupils’ welfare and learning.
Here are Ten reasons to celebrate the work of teachers. (And yes, there are so many more!)
1. You’re a Font of Knowledge
You worked hard to learn your stuff. You’re educated, have a specialism, and have learned how to effectively pass on what you know to your students. And when you don’t know something, you find it out. Pupils know they can ask you anything, and you’re very likely to know the answer. And unlike asking Google (or Alexa) you’ll give a bigger picture, not just a simple fact. You’ll probably get that student thinking for themselves, too. Never forget that not every adult they come across will do that – which makes you special.
2. You Encourage
Teachers are brilliant at this. And that encouragement can be on the ‘nice’ scale – or the ‘firm’ scale. You get the most out of your students with praise and positivity, but know when to exert a little bit of pressure to really get them to excel. With stickers, a quiet word, a public display or an appreciative look or comment – you get your pupils feeling better about themselves. And that makes them try harder.
3. You are Resilient
Resilience definition: “Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.” Sounds familiar? Let’s face it, things do ‘happen’ in teaching. Nobody actually wants to prove themselves in difficult conditions, but when they do occur, you are so often capable and calm, using your experience, empathy and strength to come up with great solutions. And then you recover quickly, neatly onto the next task.
4. You Inspire
You know your students, and you know what makes them tick. Your lesson plans are fun and varied and you set high standards. Your brilliant ideas take them by surprise and make them eager to achieve. You also know when to laugh and relax. Of course, no one can be 100% totally inspirational the whole day long, but there’s no doubt that teachers are one of the highest-ranking professionals for this particular talent.
5. You are Consistent
Consistent does not mean boring. It means that, overall, your pupils know where they are with you – which is something to value in this age of constant change and fast-moving social media. In fact, you may be the only truly consistent thing in their lives. Teachers may be taken for granted, but they also act like an anchor in a storm. That’s beyond important: your values are recognised and understood, which helps students relax and work if their lives are unsettled or disrupted.
6. You are Creative
You probably don’t realise just how creative you are. But teachers positively ooze creativity. They can’t help themselves. OK, sometimes you’d for once like to do an ordinary worksheet and talk – but you’ve discovered that truly effective teaching sometimes takes more. And after all, being creative is probably one of the reasons you chose this profession. Let that element of you flourish!
7. You are a Mentor
In all your teacher/ pupil interactions, whether in the early years or at secondary school, you set the standard. And you listen. You guide and encourage pupils to think for themselves, whilst letting them know you are there. You may not be an official ‘mentor’, but if you read these ‘tips for being a great mentor’ set by Camtech – you’ll spot how many of them you do: set expectations; support yet challenge; positive role model; genuinely interested; share experiences and insights; ask questions; act as a sounding board; provide helpful feedback; acknowledge achievements; foster community; make regular appearances.
8. You are Passionate
You’re passionate. And you care! You always sound like you care (even on the days when your passion is taking a back seat and you’re having to act a little bit). And that passion is infective. Perhaps you share your personal passions with your pupils (your hours of practice on the Ukulele? Or the fact that you’re top of the league in badminton?). And your pupils feel encouraged to share their passions with you.
9. You Safeguard
Safeguarding: the part of being a teacher that can get tough. But that absolutely matters. According to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, contact with teachers and schools is vital to protecting children. “Schools play an essential role in protecting children from abuse,” says the NSPCC website. “They have regular contact with children and young people so are in a strong position to identify signs of abuse and neglect.”
You know how to spot when things aren’t right: a nasty fall out with mates; something tricky at home; even, sadly, noticing hunger.
10. You are the Future
No pressure – but the future is in your hands. OK, so it is a huge pressure. And it’s not totally on your shoulders. But we’re celebrating you today for choosing a job that’s so important for what happens next for our young people. Covid-19 is making teaching more demanding and difficult than ever.