Working in education can be incredibly demoralising. Everyone seems to have an opinion of how ‘education’ should be done properly and it can feel like you’re constantly criticised. So I just wanted to help remind us why teachers and support staff are amazing.

Firstly, they are actually making a difference to the world. They are supporting the growth of young minds who will be the future generations in charge. They fight through the continuing policy and practice changes to do their best for children. I can’t think of many other people, or careers, that have such an impact on so many people.

Secondly, they inspire. Many of us developed a love of a subject because of the relationship with the subject teacher, or because of the way they taught the subject. Often, that love continues through life.

Thirdly, they often believe in us when we don’t believe in ourselves. They support us through moments of doubt and encourage us.

Fourthly, they are the only people I know who deal with large groups of children all the time. These children are continually growing and hormones get involved. They can’t say “just give me five minutes peace”, they keep going. Having that stamina and patience is amazing.

Finally, they still chuckle when someone says ‘but you have so many school holidays’ when they actually want to smack them. Yeah great, I have holidays when I’m told and at the times when travelling is most expensive. I can’t even get a day off in term time to attend my own children’s activities. Can’t think of many other jobs like that.

There are people who will come and go in our lives but we always remember key adults from our time in education. So the next time you are criticised, or feel unvalued, remember you are changing the world, one lesson, one student, one conversation at a time.