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The problem – One of the first rules of teaching is not to show emotions such as anger or fear in lessons. I could do with some tips on achieving this, particularly at the end of a day. I’m in my fifth year and confident in most of my classes, but there are a few where I face an onslaught of questions, moans and problems. Before I know it, my emotional brain goes into panic mode. How can I deal with the many interactions that go on in lessons and stay cool, calm and collected?

The problem: I am in my seventh year as a teaching assistant with no complaints against me. Yesterday, a pupil on step 3 of 4 in our class behaviour procedure told pupils I was working with that I had always been a pervert. (I had told him a few minutes before that his behaviour hadn’t improved much since he was in Year 3.) He apologised 30 minutes later after being told he had to. But I refused to accept it. I was called to the assistant head’s office and told that I was expected to apologise to him because I had humiliated him in front of other pupils. His parents are being asked what action they want taken against me

The problem: I joined a new school in September. Under the school policy, I am not allowed to confiscate mobile phones being used by students in the classroom. I feel this is the tip of a dangerous iceberg. Is there any advice or evidence, perhaps from headteachers, that I can use to support my case if I question this situation?