Science teacher. Head of year. Some days I amaze myself. Other days I put my keys in the fridge. 1 half of
@filmclasspod
. Views are my own unless stolen.
So here it is.
Highlights of 28 days in 100seconds.
10,500kilometres
60 trains
14 hotels
12 countries
4 weeks
2 sisters
1 trip of a lifetime.
Pinning this thread with all the highlights so I can remind myself how amazing life can be when you just get up and go!
Just witnessed a nurse bring a Muslim patient a ham&cheese sandwich.
The patient kindly refused&explained she can’t eat it.The nurse replied “I’ll pick out the ham”
The patient kindly said “I’m sorry I can’t eat it”
This is not ok.Why are dietary needs not catered for in 2022?!
In my NQT year I sat the chattiest boy next to the quietest girl thinking he wouldn’t be able to distract her.
They’ve been together for 16 years now and married.
Bumped into a mum at the super market once and she said they call me their match maker!
18 years ago this month I randomly did a seating plan for my y7 tutor group. Two boys sat together and instantly became lifelong friends. I’ve just been sent a photo of one of them being best man at the other’s wedding. It’s made my day.
I work in a very predominately white school in the leafy suburbs outside Birmingham. Yesterday my year 12s had a video to watch regarding racism. I couldn’t play the video due to technical difficulties and so we combined groups next door. The Q&A session was interesting. 1/
@SandipP64097927
Not that I have to justify your mansplain.patient came to the ward after meal times so was given whatever was at hand. As Muslims we’re not hell bent on food having to be halal.vegetarian, vegan or pescatarian will do.But we shouldn’t have to apologise for not wanting to eat pork
Every class you take and every resource you make
Every duty at break, every parent call you take, SLT’ll be watching you
Every single day and every word you say
Every Kahoot you play, every night you stay up planning, I'll be watching you
#eduvalentineslines
In reflection of my colleague’s delivery of the session, we definitely need more support for teachers who might not know enough about different backgrounds to comfortably talk about them in these situations to students. I’d love to see more cpd around it for everyone. 6/
We need to normalise talking about race in schools &workplaces. I worry about them here. It’s not representative of the world around them &they struggle to interact with people from diverse backgrounds. I’m one person trying to educate them. See my Ramadan post as an example.
5/
I know I said I was on a Twitter break but I had to share 2 experiences I had today. Both positive. Both a reminder how great young people are.
The school I’m currently at is a predominantly white British school. I’m one of a handful of BAME faces out of 1400 staff& students.1/
Here me out.
Grammar schools saying “no” to internal students for 6th form because one grade is below a 7?! In a subject they don’t want pursue?!
You’re part of the problem. If his how you treat your own, external students stand no chance.
I thought not posting this pic. But I need reminding in the future just how far I’ve come in 12 days.From not being able to get out of bed, speak, eat or move to today. I held several voice conversations. Went food shopping&ate a whole pot of jelly without choking. Today was good
So yeah, I know I’m only 25 and already a deputy but the headteacher reckons I’ll be in headship in the next 18months so I’m really feeling the pressure. Staff love me and I’m a real people person plus I’m down with the kids.
Update: I went back to work last week. I managed to teach 1 lesson on my phased return.This week I worked my way up to today. We have a 4 period day.I taught 3 of them today. No stops. No breaks in lesson. Every kid walked out saying thank you.
All thanks to this voice amplifier!
Literally all I do as a science teacher:
No we’re not doing a practical today
Draw your graphs in pencil please
Goggles are for your eyes not your head
Read the full question
No you’re not letting the cold in
You need to learn about science even if you don’t need it for college
I told the students that the only way would overcome stigma and stereotypes that are associated with racism was if we stopped looking at equality as treating everyone the same but more embraced the differences. I spoke with confidence knowing they were hanging on my every word 4/
Overheard period 6 today.
S1: is osmosis a disease?
S2: no that psoriasis.
S1: my dad has somosas.
S2: somosas are a food group!
S1: biology is hard with all these words that rhyme!
Me: 😩
@MrBlachford
handed me a half a kit kat. “I know it’s not much but I want you to have something at least to show how much you mean”
My heart broke. Now I’m sitting here crying reflecting on all these moments that keep me in this beautiful profession.
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
I’ve felt isolated&alone at times in this school. Like my face doesn’t fit or that I look significantly out of place. Not today though. Today I felt a sense of inclusion and that I am the representation that is needed in this school.Maybe I need to be a bit more forthcoming.
End/
I sometimes have to pinch myself to check I’m living this life. Tonight I saw something I’ve been waiting for years to see. Don’t mind the cloud coverage. I took this. On my iPhone. In the middle of winter.
#northernlights
Year 7 tutee comes gives me a hug.
Me: what was that for?
S: thanks for calling my mum and asking her to get my eyes tested. I didn’t realise how bad my eyes were and now everything looks so clear. I don’t feel thick anymore!
Me:
I know I said I was on a Twitter break but I had to share 2 experiences I had today. Both positive. Both a reminder how great young people are.
The school I’m currently at is a predominantly white British school. I’m one of a handful of BAME faces out of 1400 staff& students.1/
Completed my first full day as a head of year.
I introduced myself to all the forms individually. Met/called some parents. Dealt with some “stuff”&taught all my lessons.
3 things from today I want to remember forever and will come back to in the future on “those days”.
#edutwitter
I really need your help. Got an 18 year old who didn’t make the grades for medicine. What are her options. Do you know of anyone who was in the same situation and is now studying medicine or is a practicing doctor? Retweets and some direction appreciated.
@MissEmmaTurner
They came back with a different something which she’s had. I’m not sure what it is. It’s the fact that she apologised that got to me. I get that sometimes people get it wrong, but it’s them who should be saying sorry, not the person who is saying “this doesn’t suit me”
I was on the path to be head teacher before I turned 40. Life had other plans for me and I took a step back.
Actually I took many steps back.
Yesterday someone asked me if I still aspired to be a head teacher.
The answer is still yes. But I’m willing to take my time now.
@stammer_teacher
I nearly missed my first teacher training day. HoD called to ask where I was, I said I thought we start back on Wednesday? Nope that’s the kids, you’re a teacher now, you have to show up on these days 😭😩
It’s been the longest and toughest term. But all the good stuff have been keeping me going. I just found this note on my desk and I am now completely broken and in tears. This. Is. Why. I. Keep. Going. ❤️
@UmarN91
My issue in all honesty is the apology. Why do we have to be apologetic for having needs that weren’t met.
Ok fine the nurse didn’t know. She was informed. She made a request. Then rectified. Why does the Muslim have to apologise in the end?? Who was the person in the wrong?
My usually confident white colleague was visibly uncomfortable using the term “black” to refer to people of colour,she was stuttering A LOT. What she had to say was valid, she eventually got the words out “I used to say I don’t see colour,not realising how much I was offending”2/
Tried my best to tell a year 10 kid off today for low level disruption.He kept giving me a cheeky smile&when I kept him back at the end of the lesson he said “I’ll stay back Miss cause I was pain, but you gotta admit, we’re making memories here, you won’t forget me now!” 😅😂🤣
It’s taken a while for it to sink in. After years of various let downs, disappointment and dramas, I’m pleased to say I’ve been given the opportunity to be a head of year!
I posted this on New Year’s Day. I’m really starting to believe it. ❤️🩹❤️
Walked over to the year 7s to see what they were doing as they were silent rather than quiet 🤨
They’d been following the examples and were now attempting the calculations on their own.
Not only did they complete them and get them correct, they did them quicker than the year 11s!
She kept glancing up at me and I gave her some nods of reassurances. She paused and looked at me and I jumped in. I could see the colour returning to her face with relief as I talked about some of my experiences, all eyes on me, the only person of colour in the room. 3/
Morning
#EduTwitter
! Can we make a pact please? If anyone of us shares, good news, good practice or in general positive posts that we don’t twist it&pile on making people feel like they are “showing off”? We should celebrate!
You in?
I deleted my post last night about feeing happy I had been awarded UPS3 as worried it was perceived as showing off. Becky reminded me last night two weeks ago I wasn’t eating, was crying all the time, not looking after myself. Hating myself. So I will allow myself to feel pride.
Since I couldn’t go out shopping for Eid gifts, I’m thinking a box of these for my bestie.
(Also before
@MissBTeaches_
puts up her masterpieces I thought I’d get mine in quick!)
..to explain in detail what Ramadan was& why Muslims participated. When his friend asked how&why he knew so much about Ramadan he said“I heard Salah and Pogba talk about Ramadan so I looked it up”. I was impressed but also it reiterated to me just how important representation..4/
After brownies being demolished in one sitting yesterday I’ve decided to move away from sweet snacks to deep fried ones 🤷🏻♀️
Home made pakoras and lamb samosas made by own fair hands.
#moodforfood
Overheard in class:
S1: Selective Breeding is basically Tinder for animals and plants.
S2: Hooooooow?!
S1: On Tinder you select all the traits you want in your mate to pass on to your offspring, isn't that basically selective breeding?
S2: Miiiiiiisss?!
Me:
These two photos were taken a month apart. Today was the goal. To celebrate my birthday with food and laughter. And that is exactly what I did.
I loved hearing my friends tell me that my voice is improving. I loved eating at my favourite restaurant.
Today I felt amazing!
Does your school offer any training to help develop staff in order to deliver sessions on race equality to students? Is this something that we’re failing to recognise as a profession and need to address now? Interested to hear all your thoughts. RT appreciated.
Highlights of my time in Iceland 🇮🇸
I’ve never been to a country where the ground is so hot it boils water. The air is so cold that it freezes waterfalls. The sky lights up at night because of the sun.
This country should be on EVERYONES bucket list. I will be back InShaAllah!
My neighbours and I standing at our doors clapping and a little girl brings out her keyboard and starts playing “the sun will come out tomorrow “ and now I’m a crying mess.
The reality is we’re in this together and there’s no certainty if life will go back to normal ever again.
I teach and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. I may not be as cool as the other physicists playing with stars, radiation etc but I change lives, in 50 minute periods and up to 30 lives at a time!
#iamaphysicist
#WomenInSTEM
#womeninscienceday
Here we are! Founding members of the teaching staff! Excited to meet our first students tomorrow! So many people have worked tirelessly to make this day happen, I just hope I do the role justice, can not begin to tell how proud I feel to be part of this team! Let’s do it!!!
Rant: I know I’m over the top. No I don’t expect others to do what I do. But please don’t send me messages saying it’s unacceptable that I do this and post this.
Spread Joy not hate!
//Rant over.
Have a great day
#edutwitter
We’re having our form Christmas Day tomorrow. Secret Santa’s are all in and under the tree. Little hot chocolate jars ready for each of them and special stockings for some of our extra mile form members. I love Christmas!!
@MrBlachford
Young man who struggled with school,ended up with only one GCSE in physics(which I fought to have him entered for)came to find me on his last day.Thanked me&said “I wanted to get you something but I’ve been kicked out of home and slept rough Last night” He reached into his bag...
Today is a day I won’t forget.
It marks a year since I got out of a toxic relationship.
It’s also 20 years since I achieved GCSE results no one thought I’d get.
Most importantly it’s the day that this wonderful book was delivered where my first published piece can be found.
We’re having our form Christmas Day tomorrow. Secret Santa’s are all in and under the tree. Little hot chocolate jars ready for each of them and special stockings for some of our extra mile form members. I love Christmas!!
SO MANY BIG WINS TODAY!
Alhamduillah!
I took my meds orally not through tube. I drove. Tube came out of my nose. I drank tea (albeit in very very small sips!). I ate a full meal (even if it took 3 hours!) I spent a wonderful morning with
@rumena_aktar
&got some baby cuddles 🥰
Today I celebrated friendship.
These are my 5 closest friends from different walks of my life. Having them together, after they kept me going at times when I felt I couldn’t, was something very special.
Heart feels very full right now. Feeling incredibly blessed. ❤️💖💝
7 days ago I was hooked up to all sorts of machines and really scared.
It’s still out there people. Can we not behave as though we have nothing to worry about.
I’m thankful for the care I received and my forever loving family and friends rallying around me. I’m better ❤️🩹
I love that Twitter friends are becoming real friends. And whilst I love my old friends (some who I’ve been close to for over 15 years or more!) there’s something exciting about getting to know new friends 🥰
It’s the time of year I look forward to most.
The time I spend reflecting more than ever.
A time when I can actually say no to food and drink because my faith is stronger than my dieting willpower!
Another Ramadan&I’m grateful that I’m here to see it and that you are reading this
A student who I will never forget for many reasons bought me these. They’ve slowly blossomed over the holidays and there’s just 2 left to open. I’ve had to double up on antihistamines but they’re worth it.
Me: have you heard about the two guys who went to a bar&ordered drinks?
Year9s: Miss you go to bars?
Me: erm no.Anyway 1st guy orders H2O. And second guy orders…
Year9s: who goes to a bar and orders water?why you being weird miss?Just call it water!
Me: IM TRYING TO TELL A JOKE!
Sundays are rest days in Europe.Hardly anything is open.
Everyone seems so chilled about this. Do we make the rat race worse because all our conviences are there, open, 24/7.We take so much for granted. Maybe if we went back to having a day of nothing, well-being would be better?
Today I drove through a blizzard and for 3 hours to see this. Iceland has not been a disappointment and I can’t wait to come back in the spring to see this waterfall without icicles 🥶
Merry Christmas Twitter fam!
A very happy birthday to my dear friend
@benglishteach
♥️
May today and every day be filled with happiness and peace, and ofcourse lots of yummy food!
Can't wait to meet up and celebrate together, and I promise not to eat your cake as I don't like desserts anyway😂
@MrB_abc
100% love the effort! My gorgeous form will be getting a home made terrium this year since I am leaving, something for them to nurture and watch grow as they do!
@ShuaibKhan26
Teacher had been off with stress&depression. A group of us bumped into her&her family at the Christmas market one evening.
The next day I got pulled in and asked why I hadn’t reported it?!
I replied, “she’s allowed to leave her house&I’m sure it will aid her recovery”
DH:
I scroll tonight&see so much hate, negativity, sadness&trouble in the world, I think it’s time to sign out in readiness for
#Ramadan2023
Taking a time out for this holy month so won’t be posting.
Making dua for all brothers&sisters out there that this month is easy for you.