#TeachingHero

Our latest #TeachingHero is @MrCYear5! Let's work together to celebrate positive thinking and hard workers! If you'd like to get involved, drop me a message!

What motivates you to work hard?
Might be a cliché, but it's the pupils I teach that motivate me to work hard. Being trusted with 32 little people each day is a big responsibility. I expect them to work hard, so why shouldn't I? Seeing them grow is what makes it all worthwhile. I live in the same area that I work and hearing shouts of 'Mr C!' Across Eastleigh and Southampton high street from current and ex pupils is motivation enough to keep working hard! It's a job like no other.

Where do you go for personal and professional support or advice?
I'm lucky to work with an amazing bunch of colleagues and friends in my school, some of which I know would be there for me through anything. A few people in particular are constant sources of support for me. All people who work in schools are special. We are here to help! The worst bit for me is the shackles that some schools have. Easier said than done, but I teach best when allowed to implement my style, not the style imposed on me by higher beings due to it being what inspectors may want to see. I'm lucky that this isn't usually a problem where I am, but has hindered me in the past!

What strategies do you use to manage workload and protect your well being?
I try and complete as much live marking as possible during the lesson. This has varied on amount dependent on class, but I do it when I can. I also try to set aside some dedicated time to mark at lunchtimes as generally after school is always taken up with staff meetings or other commitments due to my PE Co-ordinator role! I also know when enough is enough and when to stop, even if it does mean a bit more the next day. An exhausted teacher does not create an effective one sometimes!

What advice would you give anyone who felt like giving up?
I'm sure I speak for many when I say I've felt like this several times in my relatively short (in my 4th year) teaching career. There are several things I'd try before throwing the towel in though. Talk to someone, it isn't always as bad as it seems! Try a new school, try a new approach, new strategies etc. Think of the pupils. They're the reason we do it, and often help me get through my darkest times. I often find a look through my Teaching Box (cards/letters/etc from pupils) helps me fight on another day too. Also, twitter in particular is FULL of the most supportive and amazing colleagues. They've helped me SO much. You've got this!

Sum up our profession in 5 words.
Challenging, rewarding, enriching, fulfilling and life changing (last one I'm counting as one!)