When I tell people I teach children, they think it’s an easy job. They’re quick to talk about all the holidays we have during the year and how we finish at 3pm every day. I smile politely.

When I tell people from Beanotown that I teach children at Bash Street School – also known as the Bash Street Kids – they put a hand on my shoulder and smile awkwardly. I’ve been called brave and a hero, and that I must be the most patient man on earth.

There are times that I wonder what I must have been thinking of when I took the job at Bash Street School, but there I times I think it was the best decision I have ever made. I loves my class, and, despite all the mischief, I think they like me too.

Each morning, I park my old, beat-up car and grab my briefcase which is full of carefully prepared lessons. When I walk through the door of class 2B, I look forward to the red shiny apple which Cuthbert Cringeworthy leaves on my desk before I’ve even sat down. The bell rings, and I settle in for an exciting day of education. I don’t know what it is, but each day, I expect my class to sit down, pay attention and do their work. But they rarely do, apart from Cuthbert. They’re more interested in causing chaos, mayhem and pranking each other than learning about maths theories and all the other important things they’ll need to know when they’re grown-ups.

Every so often, I enjoy taking my students out in the school minibus on field trips. It’s a fun way of learning and it stops the classroom from being destroyed once in a while by Danny Murphy and his gang.

But yes, the school holidays are appreciated and it gives me a chance to rest and prepare for the next term. My wife, Mrs. Teacher, looks forward to the holidays as much as I do. We’ll pack the car with packed lunch and our bags – not too many, though, as we can’t risk the car breaking down on a steep hill – and go somewhere fun, like a pencil museum or, if we’re feeling adventurous, we’ll drive several hours to look at a broken wall from the olden days.

Teacher Fact File

Name: Mr. Teacher

Age: 

Birthday:

Best friend: Mrs. Teacher and Cuthbert Cringeworthy

Worst enemy: The school bell

Prized possessions: His old car

Motto: ‘Pay attention at the back!’

Super skill: The patience to teach class 2B.

Family: Mrs. Teacher

Address:

Fact: