So far in 2018, we’ve had National Hugging Day (21 January), National Random Act of Kindness Day (17 February) and a personal favourite of the staff at Tes towers: National Tea Day (21 April). 

But on 9 May, it was education’s time to shine: Teacher Appreciation Day. 

People across the country took the opportunity to speak up and shout out about the wonderful work that teachers, leaders and support staff are doing everywhere. 

We asked our loyal band of Twitter followers what they thought made a great teacher: some said it was passion, others suggested it was patience and one ICT teacher tweeted the words close to many a child’s heart when she said it was endless pens and treats.

What do you think makes a great teacher?

Someone who can engage and encourage their students equally on both the days they think they know everything and the days they think they know nothing.

— India Collins-Davies (@IndiaCCD) May 9, 2018

Know your students well. Make each one special. Connect your subject to their lives...or vice versa. Be consistent about rules. Provide challenge and change lives. Have fun!

— kate lomas (@katelomas3) May 9, 2018