Letter: ‘People don’t choose to teach for the thank you alone’

Joe Stewart, Petchey Academy

As we approach the end of another school year, I am writing to urge people in London to celebrate a teacher who encouraged, inspired or supported them during their time at school.

Friday 22 June marked national Thank a Teacher Day, which is a fantastic and worthwhile cause that helps celebrate the outstanding work of teachers.

We don’t often take the time to thank our teachers or realise the encouragement they provide and the lasting impact they can have. However, this month we should ensure we’re giving our teachers a well-deserved pat on the back, as they continue to inspire the next generation!

Everyone can get involved and say thanks to a current or previous teacher with a Tweet or Instagram post, copying in the hashtag #ThankATeacher.

As a teacher myself, I’d like to thank Suzanne Brown, Christine Hadfield and Karen Russell for instilling my passion for languages and for opening up the doors to new cultures and experiences that I never thought I’d experience. I wouldn’t be doing this job if it weren’t for your lessons.

People don’t choose to teach for the thank you alone, but it is a career full of pride and emotional rewards on a regular basis. If this is something that appeals to you, search ‘Get Into Teaching’ to find out more.

Yours sincerely,

Joe Stewart
The Petchey Academy
Shacklewell Lane
London