It was overwhelming to see so many thank yous to teachers as term ended and the summer holidays began. One in particular that caught my eye, and the hearts of many, was a student from Bristol, thanking their primary school teacher through a very 'sweet' and imaginative approach.
I've recently supported a national campaign to say thank you to teachers, and this includes the ones I work with every day. Not only do they inspire the students in our school, but their hard work, dedication and commitment is inspiring for their fellow teachers like me too.
Of course, students (or other teachers) saying thanks isn't what the job is about, but when they do, it reaffirms why many of us do this job - to make a difference to the lives of young people. Did I say thank you to my teachers? I actually can't remember, but each day I can remember what they taught me and how they helped to shape my life. Some of them are the reason I'm a teacher today and it's an honour that I now have the opportunity to do the same for others.
Indeed, two thirds of teachers (68%) feel they have the opportunity to inspire people every day, and I'm sure not every profession can claim this impact. It's why teaching as a career attracts high achievers and those who want to make a difference.
It's also a bonus that the rewarding appeal of being a teacher also delivers when it comes to career prospects and progression opportunities. Reassuringly, 95% of newly qualified teachers were employed within six months of completing training last year - it's fantastic to hear that good teachers are in demand. Life is busy as a teacher, but if you are up for the challenge, I can't recommend it enough.
As my colleagues and I enjoy our summer break and look forward to the new school year ahead, there's still time to start your teacher training journey this September. Applications are now being processed in as little as 20 days, and the Get Into Teaching website can signpost you in the right direction, as well as answer some of the questions you might have. It's hard to articulate how teaching makes you feel, but I'm sure my colleagues, staff I've met along the way and Mr Hathway, the teacher from Bristol, would join me in agreeing that nothing can compare to it.
Mat Galvin is a Science teacher and Deputy Head at Winsford Academy in Cheshire