A new national TV advertisement promoting teaching as a career has attracted online criticism for being unrealistic.
But other teachers have defended the video, commenting that it accurately depicts “the best job in the world”.
The advert for the national Get Into Teaching campaign follows real-life science teacher Addison Brown during a typical day at Bedford High School in Leigh, Manchester.
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Mr Brown, a former member of the GB water polo team, is shown cycling to work, settling his classes, playing football with pupils at lunchtime and marking during a free period in the staffroom.
At one point, when a pupil says “I just don’t get it, Sir” in a lesson on solids, liquids and gases, he adapts his lesson plan and gets the class on their feet to demonstrate how molecules move further apart in a liquid. Mr Brown is also seen mentoring a pupil when they are angry and distressed.
However, the advert has attracted some criticism from teachers online. Mr Brown is shown leaving the school gates at the same time as the pupils, which some teachers have branded as unrealistic.
John Patching, a deputy headteacher from Nottingham, commented: “Do they show the bit where he is observed again for the third time that week or how he fires up the laptop at 9.30 when his own kids have gone to bed and misses out on his social life?”
And Joe Hyndman, a head of history, tweeted, “He’s leaving at the same time as the kids and not taking marking with him?! Is this a parallel universe?”
Others commented that the advert was “misleading”, while one teacher pointed out that while he loved his job, the advert made teaching look easy.
However, other teachers have condemned negative reactions to the advert and praised its positive depiction of a job that they love.
Head of English Lucy Whelan said: “Everyone is being so cynical about this ad! OK, there are some inaccuracies but by and large, this is a great reflection of the inspiring, varied, challenging day in the life of a teacher. It’s a great job.”
And teacher Rae Snape said: “I blooming love being a teacher! It’s a stimulating and rewarding job and we get to make a difference in people’s lives and in our own! I know it’s tough and there are huge challenges, but we need to limit moaning and look for the positives!”
Some commenters pointed out that when teachers highlight negative aspects of the profession it could be off-putting for those considering teaching as a career.
The advert will air across national TV in the commercial breaks of shows such as The Great British Bake Off and Coronation Street throughout January. It will also appear on video on demand, TV networks and in cinemas.
Its launch comes only days after Teach First suggested that people could join the profession to escape the new year return-to-work blues that they were experiencing in other occupations.
Mr Brown said: “The filming was a really enjoyable experience, completely different to anything I’ve done before.
“I’m proud to be involved in this campaign, it truly captures my experience in teaching so far. As the advert shows, life as a teacher is incredibly varied and keeps you on your toes, with lots of opportunities to be creative.
“Like many jobs, teaching comes with its challenges but having a positive influence on students and seeing them succeed makes it a hugely rewarding career and motivates us every day.”
Roger Pope, spokesperson for the Get Into Teaching campaign and a national leader of education, said: “This film captures a single day in the life of one dedicated and inspiring individual whose enjoyment of the profession is palpable.
“It celebrates the variety and creativity of being a teacher and we hope it strikes a chord with people searching for a rewarding and worthwhile career. There are thousands of fantastic teachers helping to shape the next generation - and you could be one of them.”
Schools minister Nick Gibb said: “Teaching is a rewarding career and Addison is an example of how a teacher can inspire and shape the lives of their pupils.
“There’s never been a better time to become a teacher - this year we have announced a 2.75 per cent pay rise for teachers, alongside outlining plans for starting salaries to rise to £30,000 by 2022-23.
“I would urge anyone interested in a career where they can have a real impact on the lives of children to consider joining the thousands of dedicated teachers working in our classrooms.”
