bookishpip 's review for:

Hidden Lessons: Growing Up on the Frontline of Teaching by Mehreen Baig

5.0

challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

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As a teacher, I’ve read quite a few teacher-focused books, including memoirs from current and former educators. I’ve found that on 99% of occasions, the true nature of teaching isn’t captured; it’s either too focused on the dewy-eyed idealism of teaching, too scathing a report on the perils the education system faces or is too bogged down in explaining the millions of abbreviations and jargon terms the job brings with it. Of course, all of these things are important to talk about when discussing the profession; but Mehreen Baig’s account is one of the only ones I’ve read which seems to balance all of the above elements in a way which felt real and fair. It’s neither naively idealistic nor grossly pessimistic. 

Baig mentioned at the start of this book that it is actually a fictional account; but as a teacher myself, I recognised so many of the instances here to such a degree that it seems that this must have been heavily inspired by real events. Only someone who has experienced teaching over a number of years would be able to record with such accuracy the love, passion, frustration and utter exhaustion that the job entails. 

I was particularly moved by her accounts of dealing with heartbreak and illness, whilst constantly putting the students first. It is hard in such a life-consuming vocation to prioritise your own well-being, and it is so easy to lose yourself to the job. It is the best and worst job in the world and I do truly think that this account is the most accurate to my own experiences that I’ve read.

If you are one of those people who think that teachers work 9-3, have loads of holidays and an easy life in their job, then I implore you to read this.