Let’s hear it for all of our amazing teachers

IT is said that your school days are the best days of your life. And if that is true it will in large part be down to your teachers.

Many of us have fondly remembered teachers – those who inspired us, kindled an interest in a subject, made learning fun.

Or they may have been a trusted adult to you – someone you could talk to outside the family.

And it definitely takes a certain kind of person to be a teacher – it’s not for everyone. The old maxim of ‘those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach,’ is utter tosh.

To be a successful teacher takes an impressive skillset – not just anyone can impart knowledge in an interesting and enjoyable way.

Over the past two years in particular, teaching has been made particularly difficult by the pandemic.

Suddenly forced to become frontline workers, embracing new ways of teaching overnight, not to mention finding their roles cast front and centre in various political rows over how best to handle schooling during a pandemic.

It’s been a massively testing time.

And this is why we are very proud to give our backing to the Teach Portsmouth Awards 2022.

Those who have been shortlisted across the nine categories are more than worthy of their nominations.

From recognising teaching assistants, to those who have innovated, or embraced inclusion and diversity, the awards aim to capture a broad spectrum of educators across the city.

But we also salute those others not listed here, those who give their all every day for their young charges, regardless.

As Cllr Suzy Horton, cabinet member for children, families and education says, the awards are ‘a great opportunity to applaud everyone for their herculean efforts to help the city’s children, young people and families.’