20 Problems Only Student Teachers Will Understand

By Hugh Firth /

16. The Staffroom

This is the true test for any student teacher. If you can get accepted in the staffroom you will be accepted in life. You€™ve seen enough nature documentaries to know that you just move slowly, don€™t scare any of them and eventually you will find a seat. You enter and silence descends as each teacher, personalised mug in hand, turns to stare at you. You know the rules. If you€™re female, they€™re eyeing you up for a potential classroom dalliance. If you€™re male, they€™re considering you a threat to any future classroom dalliances (obviously reverse and amend as appropriate). You pick up a mug, bland enough, white with pink flowers, and proceed to make a coffee. €˜That€™s my mug€™ Ms Prickly says as he marches up to you, taking the freshly made drink from you and sitting down. You then move to a chair (€˜That€™s Bob€™s/Dave€™s/Ted€™s€™) before you eventually sit in a chair sans cushion and comfort (€˜That€™s okay. That€™s Dan€™s. No-one likes him€™). Great. You€™ve got your place. Above Dan and, well, below everyone else.