Teachers

Gaynor from Paraparaumu

When my kids were very young I relieved in New Entrant classes ( one class increased from 35 to 50 pupils with no assistance & no resources!) to all levels of secondary school. When I changed to full time I taught years 7 & 8 as I wanted to be with them all day & take them camping when camps didn't provide meals. There were no photocopiers or computers. I provided individual workbooks for students by making carbon copies of the work I designed & using a blackboard. Class sizes were about 40 pupils. No assistance for a partially sighted & a hearing impaired student or learning delayed. Students were grouped for maths & spelling.
I spent Sunday afternoons at school & evenings, after my children were in bed, preparing lessons & marking work. BUT, there are numerous benefits to teachers: being able to work near home (saving travel expenses & time); having your children at the same school; after 3 pm having your children play outside while you work on; generous holidays (I was often sick at the start for a few days). Teachers "Count your blessings...." (an old adage).