What does the Secret Life of Teachers really look like?
Secret Life of Teachers
What does the Secret Life of Teachers really look like?
To celebrate World Teachers’ Day 2021 we called on educator legends, from right across Australia, to tell us what it’s really like to be a teacher!
We want to celebrate the lesser-known facts of what it means to be a teacher, from secretly buying textbooks for struggling students, to stifling the urge to laugh at class clowns. These are just some of the warm insights revealed by our Members. Thanks to those who contributed and to all the teachers who continue to dedicate their time, energy and care to make a difference.
Here are some of the secrets we received:
I still think about some of the students I taught twenty years ago, and wonder if they are doing okay - the kids taken in to care, the kids who came and got fruit for snack from me every day, the kids who I bought text books and uniforms for. Are they okay?
Danielle, NSW
Some nights I can’t sleep because I am worrying for a student at 3am. Also, I have had a cry in lockdown because I miss my students and I know they are lonely and I can’t alleviate their loneliness.
Lisa, Wollongong
I once came straight from a sleepless night in a hospital with my sick kid to go to my last lesson with my Year 12 class before the HSC. I dropped my daughter off with her grandparents on the way to school and made it just for roll call. I had a power nap in the store room at lunchtime.
Jack, Sydney
Bottom drawer of a teacher's desk (the drawer that can be locked). We all have something 'special' stashed in there.
Sandy, Sydney
Teachers party real hard. I’ve had some of the craziest nights of my life with my colleagues!
John, NSW
At night we stay up worrying about the hundreds of kids that are not ours. The best of us love our students, and care for them as if they are part of our own family. When needed and never asked, we go above and beyond. In return we see growth, and progress.
Terry, Terrey Hills
I do cross stitch while I’m in google meets listening to my principal talk about his life and waiting for students to turn up to their roll call.
Jess, NSW
When pregnant I accidentally let a silent but deadly bottom burp escape…..and joined in with the kids when they said ‘Pooooohey! Who did that?’
Anon, Newcastle
I really find it hard not to laugh when someone in my class does something silly or says something funny that they really shouldn’t.
Jo, NSW
My students know of my caffeine addiction but are completely unaware of my biscuit collection in the bottom draw of my desk.... when they get close to the desk I sight 'privacy' reasons for them not looking in my desk drawers... hehehe.
David, Newcastle
In the 18 years I've worked in my school I've learned 100 times more from my students than I've ever taught them – and I'm a much better teacher and person because of them.
Justine, Perth
I know after 25 years that teenagers are the most undervalued group. They are witty, wise, damaged and brave. I make it my mission to create an engaging space where they can learn something new and go away feeling important – because they are.
Jo, NSW
I take my homeless student’s uniform to wash regularly and get to school each day early to give him breakfast.
Carlie, NSW