#AskMrN

Certainly when I was at school, I had burning questions for my teachers. So, for this reason, I gave my students the chance to do the same. They were surprisingly brave in their demands; you can catch up on Part One HERE, and Part Two HERE.

Is there a reason why sometimes teachers dress smart?
I'm assuming this question is from the rascal that asked, "Mr N, are you going on a date tonight?" on the day I was wearing a waistcoat. No, I was just wearing a waistcoat. Dressing for teaching can be tricky, because you never know what will happen in the day! It needs to be smart, but practical, for the same reason you have a uniform, but also a PE kit. Perhaps we dress for mood? Maybe it's something we aren't aware of? I'll get back you you.

Do you like being a teacher?
I LOVE being a teacher; it's the first thing I ever wanted to do. It's extremely hard work, but I like that I have a job that I can think about, and a job that challenges me. I'm really fortunate that I've always worked with a great team of staff, and hilarious children that make the days really worthwhile. It's strange how those around you can affect your mood. I'm lucky that I feel encouraged by those around me, (both adults and little beans) to work hard - I don't know what I would do without you.

Have you been anything else other than a teacher?
Yes! My first ever job was in my secondary school, so I must have been 16 at the time. I was paid surprisingly well to put up the school displays. I guess, in secondary school, classrooms don't necessarily belong to teachers, as they move around, so there was a team of students paid to look after displays. I was also a Teaching Assistant for a year before I started teacher training (to give me more school experience), and I worked in a souvenir shop and sweet shop while studying for my degree!

If a child doesn't understand and always gets it wrong, does it get on your nerves?
Absolutely not. We have been trained to help you understand - the whole point of you making progress, is that we take something you're not sure about (or haven't encountered yet) and make it clearer for you. That's our job, and we like it. There's nothing better than seeing something click in your brain; a light-bulb moment. However, let's be clear about there being a BIG difference between not understanding, and not bothering.

Who was your favourite teacher at school?
I can't pinpoint a specific person, but I can think of qualities they all had in common. I was really lucky with all of my teachers at school, especially as I got older and I started to make subject choices. I didn't necessarily choose academic subjects like a lot of people around me. I chose more creative ones that also helped me develop as a person. I was a very nervous child, so my teachers were very positive, friendly and encouraging. They pushed me to tackle challenges I hadn't before, even if I was frightened, and I'm so grateful for each and every one of them.