Over the course of the last few weeks I have realised how important and influential the role of a teacher can be. Yes, before I started the course I had a brief understanding of what it was going to involve but I am now aware of the depths to the profession and it has made me very grateful to be on this course.

Teachers in primary education have the capacity to influence the lives of the children in their classrooms. I find it very inspiring that you can be looked up to as a role model, an inspiration and most of all you can provide them with the knowledge and attitude to grow up into open minded, fair individuals. Growing up myself, I was never fully aware of the discriminatory behaviour some people face every day of their lives. The inputs on the LGBTQ+ community, racism, sexism and disability have put it into perspective showing that stigmas regarding these issues have not quite left our society. In a modern day age, there should be no shame in saying you are Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, a woman, a man, from ethnic backgrounds or living with a disability. People should be encouraged to flourish as individuals, proud of who they are and supported by those who love them. Sadly, this is not always the case and too many people within society today are still facing discriminatory abuse and judgement upon their life choices.

One day as a teacher I hope that I can change these stigmas in the classroom. I hope I can make a little bit of difference by making children feel proud of who they are, encouraging diversity and culture and teach them that it is good to be different. These inputs have shown me that people will not always agree and conflicts in opinions can arise from time to time. The most important thing is that you learn how to act when this happens and stay respectful of other opinions and outlooks.