By Nandini Aggarwal, teacher, Surrey
Dreams and hopes give us courage to glide,
Guiding young minds, our hearts remain open wide.
Around innocent souls, we always stay,
But the profession’s reality reveals a giant fray.
Mental health crises, racism’s ruthless game,
Principal power, and supremacy’s inhuman claim
Fresh graduate teachers stress, voices silenced, neglected,
Dreams unseen, mistreated souls, and harassed, muted.
With a bright flame, we start our journey anew,
Yet teaching’s shine dims with each passing view,
For the love of teaching, we refuse to fall,
Despite struggles, we stand tall, answering the call.
Tools of our trade, papers and pens,
Never hesitating, we work again and again.
In diverse classrooms, where English isn’t the norm,
We nurture each student, helping them transform.
Despite challenges of portable teaching, enduring heat and cold,
With no washrooms nearby, the stories often untold.
Still, we prioritize students’ well-being, with care,
Inside and outside classrooms, our dedication is clear.
From novice to experienced, burdens never unfold,
Diminishing enthusiasm, our stories left untold.
If not for the pay, concern may spark,
Yet few continue this journey to embark.
Despite the workload and strain, we gather strength each day,
Driven by duty, though spirits may fray,
Bearing invisible scars, heavy burdens tear us apart,
Yet, we persevere with unwavering heart.
Offering stress relief, forms to fill,
A balm for wounds, time cannot still,
Don’t treat us as animals, with pains left unheard,
For a day will come where truth is stirred.
When hearts cry, I want to learn,
But absent are teachers, the tables will turn.