After reporting a bullying incident I was physically threatened by said bully. Later the same day I had another student shouting in my face refusing to make any attempt at the task despite giving one to one assistance and help all year. They’re capable they just don’t believe it themselves.

I teach English classes in an open area, as the school doesnt have enough class rooms, where those who choose not to attend classes barge their way into my teaching space to disrupt the learning and the pupils in my class spend more time on their phones than making any attempt to improve their literacy skills. You try and build a curriculum that is relevant, differentiated and interesting but building a working relationship with some students is sometimes impossible for a variety of reasons.

You follow the behaviour policy of the school, your boss contacts home, has meetings, discussions with management but nothing will change until they hit near school leaving age and suddenly they need some qualifications where you have to basically do the work for them to get some bottom of the barrel nonsense piece of paper. Sometimes they don’t even get that and you wonder, what are they going to do with their life, or how long will it be until they are a convicted criminal?

But then you have a kid that thanks you, is kind and considerate, works their butt off and becomes the first member of their family to go to uni, becomes a Dr or starts their own business. Thats what makes it all worth while.

90% of the time you’re in the trenches fighting fires. But there are some moments you are reminded you are making a difference. You need to hold onto those moments for dear life, because if you dont, this profession will destroy you mentally if not physically through bad habits and substance abuse. Lots of kids do notice the good you are doing, but most don’t want to say anything or even do anything to be seen as different from others.