It's a column and it's for opinion - welcome back to the Opinion Column featuring a guest writer each time.

Here, Andrew Fawthrop calls for more respect and rewards to be given to teachers.

Agree or disagree with Andrew's argument? Have your say in the comments below.

And If you've got an everyday bugbear you want to get off your chest, a topical issue to discuss or a local matter to highlight, you too could be one of our guest writers here on the Opinion Column. Email around 350 words on your chosen subject to editor simon.bull@london.newsquest.co.uk

Last Friday was World Teachers’ Day – a global celebration of educators who dedicate themselves to helping young people take their early steps in life.

But in this country teaching, much like nursing, is one of those ‘noble’ professions that is not appreciated – or rewarded – in the way it really should be. Why?

Ask yourself what is more worthwhile – helping a young person mature and develop into a well-balanced, educated member of society, or selling off some shares at the right time to make a millionaire richer?

The answer is surely obvious, but our society rewards the latter handsomely – bails them out, even, when they mess it all up – while pushing teachers to the limits of their wellbeing.

They are not being given the resources they need to do a difficult job adequately, let alone well.

Surely there must some way to rebalance the structure of our financial resources to give teachers a fighting chance.

Recently, hundreds of headteachers from around the country descended on Westminster to voice discontent at having to work without the funds they need to do their jobs properly.

They were protesting about an Institute of Fiscal Studies report showing that since 2010 there has been an eight per cent cut to school funding in England.

But it isn’t just about money. Quality of life is also important.

Teachers frequently complain about working days that stretch long into the night after the school day finishes, marking homework and coming up with lesson plans.

People love to scoff at teachers for having school holidays, but given the pressures put on them during the rest of the year they could do with the break – or else risk burning out completely.

Is it any wonder fewer people are entering the profession or that so many who are already working as teachers are choosing to quit?

Pay them well, ease the workload and fund the school system better. It’s not that much to ask to support the people responsible for educating the next generation, is it?