When I was at school, as we bustled out the classroom door, we would have the courtesy and deep rooted respect to say thank you to our teachers. Maybe we weren't sure what we were thankful for, but our middle class British upbringing had taught us that manners were important and this was standard procedure.
Only when I became teacher myself did I truly understand how much a simple "cheers, Miss" could instantly resolve all the conflict and chaos of the previous hour, week or term. The time I had spent the night before with the guillotine cutting up loop cards for a 10 minute starter activity, the trip to the woods to collect sticks for my KS3 class to make dioramas for A Midsummer Night's Dream, all whilst replying to the stream of comments on Show my Homework. All worth it with a simple acknowledgment of thanks.
From experience of my own children's primary school, the majority of parents are still actively involved, often with daily interaction at drop off and pick up. The staff are there to report on incidents, accidents and concerns almost immediately. The primary teacher's ability to remember every paper cut, squabble and overdue library book is phenomenal. Their hearts have the capacity to stretch to accommodate 30 young people. And for that, we are eternally grateful. We hope that our appreciation is shown accordingly, not just with a box of Heroes or bottle of Sauvignon Blanc at the end of term. The daily gratitude from the parents allows those members of staff small, but much needed, boosts.
By the time the pupils tumble in to secondary school setting, the interaction between parent and teacher lessens, reserved only for key junctures in the school calendar. A class of 30 children suddenly become 5 classes of 30 children per day. The pupils have left the comfort blanket of primary and are on their own in the big bad world of secondary school, responsible for their own timetables, actions and consequences. And this is when simple moments of gratitude can start to drift away. It just isn't cool to be kind, is it?
Working in a secondary setting, I always found GCSE and A level results days to be magical. A good results day can see a teacher's wellbeing sustained until at least Christmas. To see the pride, tears and joy as envelopes are ripped open is the like the airport scene in Love Actually. It gives you perspective. It gives you the hope that you played a small part in their achievements. It makes everything worthwhile. Sadly, the pandemic took that away and I have often wondered the effect it has had, not just on the pupils, but the staff as well.
Today marks 'Thank a Teacher day' in the UK and I want to take a moment to thank each and everyone of you. The nursery staff, the teaching assistants, the caretakers, the lecturers, you all work so incredibly hard to make a difference on a young person's journey through education. I know that you don't walk away at the end of the day, switch your computer and minds off. I know you strive to make your lessons engaging. I know that you are giving your pupils the very best quality of education. I know the hours you spend planning and then re-planning your lessons to fit the needs of your classes. I know you go out of your way to 'check in' with those pupils who did not seem themselves the day before. I know that evenings are spent replying to the the messages asking for help with the homework and calling parents. And no, you don't do it because it is your job. You do it because you care.
So in place of lavish gifts and handwritten cards, just a simple yet utterly heartfelt "thank you" from one teacher to another.
Mrs W xx
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