Author:Ryan Wilson,Ryan Wilson
Brought to you by Penguin.
The malodorous horrors of Sports Day.
Bracing yourself for Parents' Evening.
Refereeing teenage relationship dramas.
This is not what you see in the adverts.
From the age of eight, Ryan Wilson dreamt of being a teacher. This is the inside story of his time at the chalkface, from fresh-faced trainee with grand ideals to exhausted assistant head battling ever-changing government demands. It is a tribute to the colleagues who befriended him and to the chaotic, brilliant, maddening students who inspired and enraged him. From Sean, the wannabe gangster with a soft heart, to David, the king of innuendo, and terrifyingly clever Amelia. And, above all, it's about the lessons they taught him: how to be patient and resilient, how to live authentically and how to value every day.
'Hilarious, inspiring and so terrifyingly true' Lucy Kellaway
'A hilarious love letter to teaching - and to teenagers. It throws open the doors to the staff room and our ears to the gossip inside' Christie Watson
© Ryan Wilson 2021 (P) Penguin Audio 2021
Not just funny and constantly surprising - but touching, poignant and personal too
A book spoken from the heart, the heart of a born teacher. In turns, honest, self-deprecating, enlightening, moving, and funny... This is a powerful and important book.
—— Michael MorpurgoBrilliant... It's funny, it's profound and it's a cautionary tale
—— Alastair StewartVery funny
—— Natalie Bowen , IndependentLaugh out loud funny - every teacher who reads it will cringe with empathy
—— Laura McInerneyThis entertaining memoir of 10 eventful years at the chalkface further illuminates the debt of gratitude we owe teachers
—— The BooksellerA genuinely joyful book and a celebration of teaching
—— Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School & College LeadersA frank, funny and long overdue ode to teachers and teaching
—— Adam KayA delightfully frank and funny book - with a very serious message
—— Jacqueline WilsonAn ode to teaching: hilarious, inspiring and so terrifyingly true
—— Lucy KellawayFunny, sensitive and clever
—— Victoria DerbyshireA hilarious love letter to teaching - and to teenagers. It throws open the doors to the staff room and our ears to the gossip inside. As someone who was a nightmare as a teen, it made me think of the teachers who championed me, regardless, and the influence they had on my adult life. A timely celebration of the importance of teachers
—— Christie WatsonIf you want to know what the world of schools and classrooms is really like, this is your book. An unputdownable account of Ryan Wilson's teaching years that describes the absolute reality of teaching in UK schools including the good parts, the bad and all that is ugly. I was captivated by Wilson's honesty and vulnerability and loved reading and exploring every minute of this familiar world
—— Andria Zafirakou, 2018 Global Teacher Prize winnerRyan Wilson passes with flying colours and earns an A-grade for his debut book... If anyone has read Adam Kay's This is Going to Hurt... Ryan's terrific tome strikes a similar funny, feel-good and frank tone
—— Thomas Stichbury , attitudeA pleasant and heartfelt account of one man's brief journey into and out of education... unquestionably funny... poignant and very personal
—— Emma Williams , Schools WeekVery funny, often inspiring, occasionally tragic - and a timely reminder of the unforgettable influence of great teachers
—— Daily Mail