21 Problems Only Teachers Will Understand

By Nina Cresswell / February 26, 2016

"Those who can, do; those who can't, teach."

Whoever said that had obviously never worked in a school. We're not glorified childminders, we certainly don't get paid too much, and as for being finished work by 3pm? If only! Teaching is a rewarding profession, but it's damn hard too: most of us working 53 hours per week on average. We love our jobs, and our students, but it doesn't quench that feeling of impending doom as you reach the long, dark month of January every year. Nor does it stop the whole of your body instantly relaxing the moment the bell rings. Problems we encounter today will greatly differ from those of teachers decades ago: we now have to deal with iPhones in class; being extra vigilant on social media; and the absolute rage of watching the Internet destroy students' grammar. The mind of a teacher is like a web browser with 8,742 tabs open. All. The. Time. We're expert jugglers, serial laminators and total pros at scoffing down an entire lunch between lessons. Coffee, chocolate, and aspirin at hand: let us enter the brutally honest staff room... it's time to unload.

21. When Students Add You On Facebook

Even if your Facebook privacy settings are so strict that Zuckerberg himself has trouble finding you, don't worry, they'll still track you down on Twitter. The last thing we want is the class sharing your tagged photos from nights out - especially THAT one with the Jägerbombs.

20. Trying To Be Positive On Parent's Evening About Students You're Less Than Fond Of

At the end of the day, we both want the same thing: happy students who are learning. Some students, though, aren't content until they've ruined absolutely everyone's day. There's only so many times you can mask the phrase "Your child appears to be crafted by the forces of Satan himself" in a positive light before you spontaneously combust.

19. When The Head Walks In And You've Got A DVD On

Cue long-ass explanation of why you thought it necessary to watch a documentary this lesson. You may be a teacher now, but when the Head asks to see you, your first thoughts are immediately still: "What have I done?"