More than a lesson plan: Celebrities on the teachers who shaped their lives

“She was so bloody cool, so engaging, and she really made us care, and we knew that she cared about us.”

This was what internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Adele said about her secondary school teacher in 2021, right before the teacher in question was reunited with her on stage. Mrs McDonald stepped up from the audience for a hug while an overcome Adele melted into tears.

Teachers have a powerful effect on us all. There are some that we never forget. And celebrities are no different.

“Miss Mellows let me have books where I could write whatever I wanted,” remembers former Children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell MBE on the Thank A Teacher website. “She didn’t mark them and that is where I learnt to write for the joy of it.”

On the same site, actor Rhys Ifans recalls: “My art teacher, Alan Victor-Jones, was patient and strict and left us to our own devices. It’s only years later I have realised what an inspiration he was.”

And BBC science presenter Liz Bonnin also thanks Mrs Kelly for being “an incredibly supportive and nurturing presence – almost like a second mum at school”.

For actor Dame Helen Mirren it was drama teacher Mrs Welding who “made every lesson a pleasure”, while choreographer Dame Arlene Phillips’ life was transformed by dance teacher Molly Malloy.

In an average-length career, one teacher will influence around 3,000 students during their formative years. They are the single biggest influence on a person’s life aside from their parents. A survey carried out by British broadcaster ITV revealed that 62% of people said their teachers helped and influenced them to become the person they grew to be.

Teachers are more than just a part of our schools – they're the heart of them. Whether it's a child or a world-famous celebrity, we all have stories about a teacher who's made a real difference in our lives.

Getting behind today’s teachers

Yet, teachers are facing unprecedented change and challenges.

Large class loads, extensive administrative responsibilities, limited budgets, high expectations, evolving courseloads, and the rapidly evolving role of technology are all taxing the nation’s teachers - so much so that they’re leaving the profession in record numbers. Today’s teacher crisis may have profound ripple effects on students – after all, without their dedicated teachers, Adele may never have honed the skills to pen Grammy-winning lyrics, and Dame Helen Mirren may never have set foot onstage.

Our educators are charged with the vital task of creating the next generation of thinkers, builders, leaders and innovators. Recognising and addressing the multifaceted challenges they face is essential to fostering a sustainable and thriving educational system. The importance of supporting educators’ mental and emotional health cannot be overstated, as well as equipping them with the tools and networks they need to prepare students for the future.

Inspiring educators at Bett 2024

That’s why at Bett, we’re dedicating three days to collaboration, inspiration, training and peer-led talks on the future of education, including teaching strategies, sector challenges, wellbeing and more. From the 24th- 26th of January 2024, educators, policymakers and thought leaders are convening in one of the landmark educational events of the year.

At Bett, educators get the opportunity to try cutting-edge technology and learn how to maximise the potential of tools already sitting in their classrooms. Teachers can hear from their peers about their challenges and -- crucially – learn about the solutions that have worked. School leaders can delve into the ins and outs of the most pressing issues in the sector, including AI and student wellbeing. Above all, all attendees have an invaluable opportunity to be inspired and engaged, and gain skills, knowledge and strategies to take into classrooms and lecture halls on Monday morning.

Teachers transform our students’ futures. We aim to transform their working lives.

Be part of the conversation – get your ticket today at bettshow.com.