LIFE LESSONS

Khum Raj Pathak, from Maidstone, Kent

Sighing, I looked across the classroom. One of my students, a large lad of 14, was busy texting on his mobile phone.

I called across to him. ‘You know you’re not allowed to use your mobile phone in class. Please, put it away.’ He glanced up. ‘Look, just sit down and be quiet,’ he said rudely. ‘You’re still going to get paid.’ I work as a supply maths teacher in secondary schools – and in that job, you need a thick skin. I’m used to being sworn at, having my pens stolen and even students trying to start fights in my lessons – but