Noddy Holder reminisces about schooldays
Walsall-born Noddy Holder is backing a campaign to celebrate the teaching profession and is encouraging the next generation into the classroom
As this academic year draws to a close, people in the region and across the country are being urged to celebrate a teacher who encouraged, inspired or supported them during their school years.
The Slade star is one of many celebrity faces from fields as varied as science, music and business kick-starting the initiative to say a simple ‘thank you’ to a special teacher.
As part of the initiative, the glam rock legend he recalled his days at T P Riley Community School in Bloxwich and his strict old history teacher.
He said: “I went to a school called T P Riley Community School in Bloxwich, outside of Walsall.
"My history teacher was an ex-army disciplinarian. He was very, very old school. Very strict. But he was a genius.
"He arrived one year into our O-Levels when our mock exam results showed us to be way, way below par, and taught two years' worth of courses in one year. A lot of people didn’t like him but I did, because I could see that he was snatching success from the jaws of defeat.”
Walsall-born Noddy Holder, of rock group Slade, joins campaign celebrating the profession and encouraging the next generation into the classroom
The move, part of the National College for Teaching and Leadership’s Get Into Teaching campaign, aims to highlight the difference teachers make, and show prospective recruits how rewarding a career in teaching can be.
There is still time for graduates and potential career changers in West Midlands to apply now to start training this September and begin a fulfilling new role in the classroom.
Those taking the time to thank their teachers range from space scientists and designers to rock stars.
Kelly Hoppen, interior designer and star of Dragons’ Den, added: "I had a truly amazing music teacher at school who supported me in ways I couldn’t imagine. He helped to bring out my creativity – and who knew I was a musician too? If more kids had a teacher like him, the world will be a more creative place."
You can find more information on this here: http://www.teachingawards.com
