I was reminded today how vital teachers are to the future generations of this great nation of ours. Teaching is not just about what we do every day in front of 30 (or more) students, delivering good quality teaching and learning experiences that inspire the next generation to believe that anything is possible. We are also there to protect the vulnerable, support those who need it, and be the one true stabilising force in some young peoples lives.
In amongst the blur of a CPD day that included WRAP training, an awesome session on staff #wellbeing (that brought me to tears at the end), and the joy of winning the argument about sexist products with @EE (see previous post), I did something that was even more important – supported a student that needed my help.
Since becoming a parent (my eldest is now 7), it has heightened my feelings of protectiveness towards the students in my care. We are so vital to their emotional and physical wellbeing, that it makes every crossed word, every tiny interaction, that much more powerful and important. I would urge all teachers to remember that for some students we are one of their safest places, we are one of the only constants in their lives, and this is perhaps the most vital part of the job that cannot be measured by Ofsted, league tables, or any other accountability measure, but it is this role that can have the most profound impact on a young person. It is for some, more important than the teaching and learning that we provide.
Wow – what we do really is vital. The Government and Ofsted would do well to remember that it is not just the measured outcomes of schools that are important, but the way that we support the most vulnerable and get them to the other side of their dark moments. After a day like today, this is what truly matters.
Thoughts and ideas from a maths teacher 