Mike's Minute: Sometimes it's not all about the money

In one of life’s small ironies as the teachers spend another week immersed in industrial action, I got an email yesterday from a bloke who was taught by my mother in the ’90s.

My mum was a teacher.

I’m pretty sure she never went on strike. I certainly don’t remember a picket line, a placard, or days at home when I was a kid.

In fact, even as a student, I don’t remember having a day off school because of strikes.

I do remember a lot of kids in the class — one of today’s great complaints — wasn’t an issue then. Or if it was, we still got on with it.

I also remember we didn’t have a lot at home. Given teachers didn’t get paid all that much — didn’t then, sort of don’t now — but you have to say, many a teacher these days is earning a six-figure salary. So we’ve reached a point where at least some are pretty well rewarded.

Anyway, the email. Out of the blue, he writes and tells me he was taught by my mum, who had inspired him into teaching — which is where he is now.

He’s back in the old hometown for a week or so and was hoping to catch up with Mum so he could buy her a coffee and thank her for her inspiration.

And that, to me, is the essence of teaching. You were in it for the right reasons, and as a result, you were passionate about what you did.

And because of that passion, it rubbed off on some of those around you.

It’s not a bad thing, don’t you think — to think back 30-odd years and remember why you’re doing what you do, and pin it, in part, down to a single person or motivation. And then, having done that, reach out and want to in some way pay it back.

How many teachers today do it for the right reasons — are genuinely passionate and want others to carry the torch?

How many know the pay is never great, but that’s not why you do it?

How many on the picket line, out of the classroom today, will get an email in 30 years’ time thanking them for their hard work and wanting to acknowledge the influence?

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