Sadly many in the community only see the “9 to 3” part of the day in which teachers (and other staff in schools) work. They don’t see the myriad of other commitments that school staff make.
Everyone thinks they know what teachers and staff in schools do – after all everybody went to school, as a student! However we all know working in schools is far more than 9 to 3!
Working in schools means waking in the middle of the night and worrying about the real reason ‘Billy was upset today!’
Working in schools means staying late to coach a team
Working in schools means going on camp and sleeping with one eye open waiting for someone who needs help
Working in schools means holding the bucket as a student suffers motion sickness whilst on a school trip
Working in schools means opening your classroom doors before and after school to help students (and parents)
Working in schools means staying up late (and getting up early) to correct the homework and assignments so students get the feedback they need
Working in schools means missing your own child’s sports day because your students need you
Working in schools means constantly trying to improve lessons to engage students and capture their attention
Working in schools means helping out at a stall on the day of the school fete (rain, hail or shine!)
Working in schools means buying raffle tickets, girl guide biscuits and chocolates to support our students
Working in schools means calling, emailing and writing notes to parents after hours to ensure we are working together
Working in schools means being patient with your own children after a full day being patient with the children of 25 other parents.
Working in schools means spending hours, days and weeks preparing lessons, setting up displays, collecting resources and creating a great classroom environment
Working in schools means taking the time to get to know each child as an individual so that we can connect with them and help them be the best that they can be
Working in schools means being patient when we are tired, tactful when we are frustrated and consistent when it is needed
Working in schools is demanding on emotions, our energy and our reserves.
Working in schools is ….REALLY IMPORTANT, ULTIMATELY MAKES A DIFFERENCE AND CAN HAVE A HUGE IMPACT ON MANY LIVES!
Based on an article by Jane Ching Fung in Teacher Magazine : Education Week, Published online May 17, 2011