The Not-So-Secret Diary of a Deputy Principal – Lorraine

other teachers every day. My 5^th class teacher was the teacher that inspired me to be a teacher and there’s so much about her I still remember so clearly, and it was many moons ago! I did my work experience with a good family friend in her junior infants’ class when I was in transition year and I still remember the things I learned during that time, and it confirmed that teaching was for me. The teachers in my school inspire me with their ideas, their passions and their enthusiasm every day. And the world of teachers on social media is filled with endless inspiration – you can be sure that you will never be stuck for a number of ideas for any topic you might want to teach after a search on Instagram or Pinterest.

I do try to remind myself, however, that all that glitters is not gold – as with everything in life, things aren’t always as they seem. It can be easy for the inspiration of other teachers to very quickly turn from inspiration to over whelming. What you see on your colleague’s fantastic notice board outside their room, is a very small snippet of a days or a week’s work. It doesn’t represent everything that goes on in a classroom. That teacher, who made a perfect display, has been tired, has had a lesson flop, has been at the end of a road and not known where to turn to. In fact, that teacher could be really really struggling at the minute and the only way they can keep control is to make that perfect display. What you see teachers posting on social media is, generally, their best display too! And that’s the nature of the game, it’s not people trying to play tricks on you! We are all in the same boat, when some days are better than others, some lessons better than others, and some are down right rubbish! Be kind to yourself, and be happy with your own efforts!