As a teacher of 25 years’ standing, I think parents should not be frightened by the sight of thousands of young teachers striking for a salary that will pay their student debts and the rent. Instead, they should be reassured that there are young people who have a strong enough sense of self-worth and drive to ignore the years of negative campaigning by government ministers and the media - first to join the teaching profession, and then to stand up for themselves and demand a proper rate of pay. Isn’t this the motivation and optimism that we want to see in the people who teach our children?

Polly Donnison Benthal Primary School, Hackney, London.