Once a teacher, always a teacher. I’ve often heard this said. A long time ago, someone said to me that I had a teacher’s head! Have I?

I worked as a teacher for the first part of my working life – almost 15 years in total. Most of this was spent teaching children with special needs. I loved it. Some people ask me why I left the profession if I loved it. That’s a good question. The answer is simple – one does not have to seek change solely because they are unhappy. Often, change is good even for those who are happy doing what they are doing. It can refresh and kick new doors open in terms of more fulfilment.

I have such high regard for teachers and special needs assistants. Teaching is a harder job nowadays. You almost have to be a social worker or a psychologist. The lesson plans and extensive unpaid hours spent at home keeping on top of curriculum change can consume you. If you were waiting to be thanked – you’d burn out very quickly. The more you do, the more you are expected to do. It caused a bit of a shock when I decided to give it up. Such decisions were an uncommon occurrence, especially after spending such a short time at it. Sadly, many younger teachers have moved abroad where payment and conditions are better. Others have left the profession altogether after only a handful of years doing such important work. Of course, we have had teachers who did more harm than good. That’s the same in every profession, but the work that happens in schools is crucially important for society and needs to be valued more.

I am really looking forward to visiting some schools next week. I can pitch my content so that it resonates with the very real issues and challenges that they face. Once a teacher, always a teacher! Teachers are giving so much of themselves that their wells can run dry. I hope that my seminars will remind them of the good work that they are doing and how they need to mind themselves. There is nothing more precious than your health.

I’m really looking forward to visiting schools next week and to a number of upcoming INTO evening seminars in the region.