Are teachers given the credit they deserve?

AS A retired teacher, I have to answer the criticism of my profession (Letters). Teaching from home during the lockdowns was not a lazy option to qualify for full pay. Preparing online lessons takes much more time than arranging face-to-face lessons. Most teachers were available to their pupils by computer link for five hours at a time, giving individual help, tracking student interaction, correcting work remotely, speaking to parents on the phone, making support videos about difficult topics and attending Zoom meetings with colleagues. Some worked in schools during the lockdown teaching vulnerable children and the families of key workers. My daughters are teachers and delivered education from home while looking after their own children. One works in the private sector and the other in a state school, but both have broken down in tears. Give teachers the credit they deserve for being caring, dedicated professionals. CHRISTINE HORSNELL, Birmingham. HAVING spent my 30-year career in the education sector, I am not surprised at the wailing from the teaching unions. The summer vacation was originally intended so children could help on farms. Such a long break is outdated, but no politician is prepared to tackle this absurdity, even though so much schooling was lost during the pandemic. In my day, school began at 8.30am for registration and assembly, with lessons from 9am to 4pm. Discipline was strict and respect was afforded to teachers and pupils alike. Name and address supplied.

HAVE those who criticise teachers ever worked in education? My daughter is a primary school teacher and does not get three months’ holiday a year. Her working day starts at 7.30am and ends at 6pm. Her evenings and weekends are spent preparing lessons and marking homework. Last halfterm, she had 30 reports to write in a so-called holiday. P. READING, Bourne, Lincs.