Let's talk about teachers

With teachers' strikes across the UK in recent and forthcoming months, like many others, I have been reflecting on what it means to be a teacher.

There might be a few teachers among my readers, perhaps a few ex-teachers too, but certainly, we have all had teachers in our lives at some point. Some may be memorable for the wrong reasons, some average, and you will probably be able to recall one or two teachers (hopefully) that shaped your life in a positive way.

Do you have a memorable teacher?

I believe that teaching is one of the most noble professions. Not because teachers work hard and have the opportunity for immense job satisfaction but because, along with healthcare, education is the key to all world problems. Education means we understand each other, communicate well, make good decisions, vote wisely, and move forward.

Regrettably, I don't know enough about our current education system to comment on the details, but I am confident that if the system is right and we get the right people into teaching, then their passion and dedication will pay dividends.

What does it mean to be a 'good' teacher?

What do you think is the best way to get the 'right' people into teaching jobs?

Not regrettably, I am detached from the bureaucracy involved in state or public school teaching, but I do know that teachers' workloads are often hugely underestimated. I can't speak for the average secondary school teacher, but as a freelance teacher, less than half my 'teaching' time is actually teaching. Planning courses, writing materials, marking, and student administration accounts for a much larger portion. Not to mention attending courses, keeping up to date with the latest procedures and regulations, and generally keeping out of trouble which is usually done 'off the clock'.

If you are a teacher, what proportion of your workload is not teaching? Do you work during your weekends and holidays?

If you're not a teacher, have you ever given a presentation? Chaired a meeting? Performed on stage? How many hours of preparation did you need? How much performing is too much per day? How much holiday would you need to recover from a 'term' of performing?

Teaching is not just a job it's a lifestyle choice. You'd have to be mad to be a teacher - and personally I think it helps!

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Why not send me an email?catherine@getsetgoenglish.co.uk or perhaps you might even like to write a guest blog.

Read more about this topic in BBC news here.