Are we grateful for teachers?

As the new school term begins, many former secondary school pupils are preparing to take up their places to study at university. One of my own children is included in this cohort and as he prepared to pack and began saying his farewells to friends and family, I was struck by the fact that he and many of his circle took the time to go back to say thank you and to share the excitement of their A level successes with the teachers who had supported, inspired, cajoled and mentored them through their secondary education. 

I recalled how I did the same all those years ago and I was touched (as I think the staff were) that these young people recognised the time, sweat and hard work of teachers. It was a clear demonstration of something that is seldom acknowledged in many sections of the media (and, therefore, the public) – namely that many young people respect and value their teachers.