Long and maybe mawkish sounding, but a true story.

Expelled, aged 12, at almost 16, I was given a second chance; I passed the entrance tests and was offered a place at college, but my reputation proceeded me; nobody wanted to actually give me a chance, when I got there. I didn't even blame them, worse, I'd begun to agree with 'them' - I was born in the gutter and I belonged there.

One day, a new and trainee English teacher asked me to hang back after class. I rolled my eyes – I’m a waste of life, tell me about it.

Instead, she told me that for every class I attended, on time and sober enough to participate, she'd let me pocket a book. And she wouldn’t report me if a book proved too good to return - like she knew that's why I stole books; I couldn't afford to buy them, but couldn't bear to return certain ones either.

Out of respect for her more than anything, I agreed; I started turning up. And participating. And other tutors began to notice and speak with me rather than scream at me.

End of the year, my trainee English tutor aced her performance review and I was awarded for my academic achievement and personal progress.

I didn't need or want a trophy or for people to applaud me (in fact, I told them to eff off and refused to collect the prize), but suddenly being counted amongst folk who were academically passionate and intellectual, it changed everything for me; first time ever, I felt I had a voice.

A year later, the same teacher encouraged me to apply to universities. Initially, I laughed; nobody in my 'reality' finished high school, never mind went to uni'. She told me - so, be the first. Break the cycle. Someone has to, why not you?

So, I did.

Much as students are responsible for themselves, I think teachers are equally responsible for being mindful that they are never just teaching trigonometry or how to conjugate a verb. If that's all you want to do, teaching ain't for you, because it ain't you who will potentially pay the price for having that attitude; it’s your students.