Why we should value our teachers.

[MrsMurphyIWish]

I was born in 1978 into generations of family who hadn’t left education.

I loved school - I was clever and it was a sanctuary from the neglect at home.

In 1997 I vote New Labour and because of that I was able to go to Uni with no fees.

I have taught since 2000, taking 18 months out for 2 maternity leaves. I’m an outstanding teacher. I want my children to be taught by the likes of me - not people bribed into the position, not people who have a third class degree and couldn’t think of anything else, not a turn over of NQTs. I want people who who love their subject who want to pass on their passion to the next generation.

This is why I’m striking. I want quality teachers for MY children who will still be teaching in 23 years like I am.

This.

I've seen too many teachers which are highly qualified but lack any skills to be an actual teacher.

Blimey you sound remarkably dim even if you do have a good degree. It was Blair who introduced fees in 98. The worst teacher my daughter had was probably the cleverest, fantastic degree but couldn’t teach for toffee.

I’ll lose 4 days pay with the strike action

Ditto - on all points.

I think we might know the same Deputy !

Yes, but as a “PP” child I was able to prove I couldn’t afford fees and this had FE funded. I like to think that I have now contributed more than my parent my ever took. I would like this for future generations.

I will bite 🤷‍♀️
I work for the nhs and knew my pay scale before I took the job .
Just like teachers knew their pay scale before taking the job .
I don't support anyone who strikes 🤷‍♀️.
All the nurses ect ect on the tv saying they care about the patients are adding weeks to waiting list while they strike which is life or death to some patients!
Teachers who have seen the grades drop and mental health issues rise in children affected by the pandemic,how can you seriously think more disruption is a good thing 🤷‍♀️.
Working to task and having arguments with government is something that could be done without picketing!
So no we don't all support you but crack on 👍🏻

Love this 😂

100% agree. Former primary teacher here. Lasted 20 years and quit for an easier and better paid job last April.

In 2000 I didn’t realise my pay would stagnate, my pension would change or my conditions would change.

I still want to to strike because I want my
children to be educated by people who want to stay in the profession happily or by those who want to teach for the love of their subject and not bribed by a bursary that they’ll take and then leave.

Ahhh. Of course, we should have all foreseen recent events leading to inflation and huge increase in cost of living.

If only 16 years ago when I went to university I could have know this would happen, and I could have chosen a different career.

@eatdrinkandbemerry

Right, so it will be okay then when they start introducing unqualified nurses with no degree training to take your job then? I mean you knew your pay grade and the unqualified nurses are far cheaper to employ (but also crapper) so you therefore will not be able to complain.

Give over. It’s about more than bloody pay here how incredibly short sighted of you.

@eatdrinkandbemerry totally agree! All these teachers who purport to care are striking for more money. If you dare to question them you end up with rude and aggressive comments. What about the children from abusive families where school is the only place they are safe? The children who rely on FSM, the children from families who are in such dire financial situations that a parent having to take unpaid leave on at least four occasions will affect their ability to put food on the table? Oh yes, they need to suck it up.

ds's physics teacher openly told them he had a 3rd class physics degree 15 years ago and couldn't think what else to do with it as he wasn't good enough for a job for physics and thought he would give teaching a go instead. He never planned or wanted to be a teacher.

Bloody excellent teacher, ds had him for 3 years consecutive years and he was fun, really got the kids engaged with physics, motivated them to do well, and was a strong positive influence on ds.

I never wanted to do the job I currently have when I was studying, but (I think) I am pretty good at it! Your view of who a teacher must be is idealist, narrow and slightly pretentious. It is an attitude that not only prevents people who never considered teaching before, but could make very good teachers giving it a go, but also damages the reputation of current teachers.

Maybe over 23 years I’ve seen a lot of trainees who have seen it as the “easy” option post degree and left very quickly?

I do not want a mill of young teachers teaching my children. We need a good mix of generation teachers to learn from each other - this allows experience and adaptability. This is what I want for my children.

OP - I agree that the education system has been decimated. You're right that the profession is a far less attractive proposition than it used to be and I know training providers are now struggling to fill places.
I'm striking because the Government has stolen from schools, staff and most importantly the kids.
Our 5% pay rise is bitter-sweet as it's had to come out of our school's already squeezed budget. At the moment we only have one cleaner and are hoovering/mopping our classroom floors and emptying our own bins. I fear this will become the norm as we won't be able to afford cleaners next year. The school's in a state and it's not good enough. Our HT is at the end of her rope and supports the strikes herself although the NAHT in England aren't striking. I've been teaching a long time and have never known things this bad...

As a council estate and foster kid, I love being called a “snob” and “pretentious” - I must have made the middle class!

They should get 6 figure tbh esp secondary school teacher