After yet another Sunday sat over a keyboard it is not hard to understand why it is getting harder to find professionals who want to work in schools.

Education is one of the most rewarding jobs there is.  Giving a child, or young person, the skills they will need for a long adult life is an amazing valuable thing to do.

For those of us who have been at the 'chalk face' for a long time the workload has always been there and has steadily increased year on year.  We have grown to know this and see it is as normal.  For those newer to the profession this is increasingly seen as unacceptable to the extent that up to 50% of teachers leave the profession after a year.

As with the aging national population, we also have an aging teaching population (up to the mid 50's).  The future is going to be challenging and with few easy answers.

The one thing that we can all do is ensure that every teacher feels valued and respected.  A 'Thank You' goes a long way and is amazingly rare.

I know that one of the Brodetsky staff has been nominated for the BBC Leeds Teacher Awards.  This came about as a result of a nomination from a pupil, supported by a parent.  This staff member may not win (although he/she deserves it) but the nomination itself holds great value and I am sure is truly appreciated.

Do you know a teacher who deserves and would appreciate a 'Thank You'?  If so, maybe take the time to say it next week.

As for my staff, they are facing a 'Photocopy Free' week.  This does not mean the copies are free but that they must not use any photocopies this week.  I am sure I will not get many thanks for this but I am looking forward to the work that is produced.

I will let you know the outcome at the end of the week.