source - Australian Society for the Study of Labour History To mark the centenary of the NSW Teachers’ Federation, we include in this issue of The Hummer two songs about teachers and the challenges of working in the NSW State education system

Twenty-nine kids, Lyrics by Sydney Trade Union Choir (2012), based on Sixteen Tons (Merle Travis 1947) and The Teacher’s Lament (Anon, 1950s)

Now, some people say a teacher’s made out of steel,
But a teacher’s made of stuff that can think and feel.
A mind and a body with a heart and soul,
An ability to teach the shy and the bold.

Chorus

I teach 29 kids and what do I get?
Another day older and deeper in debt.
St Peter don’t you call me to that Heavenly Gate,
I owe my soul to the youth of this state.
I woke this morning, it was cloudy and cool,
I picked up my briefcase and I drove to the school.
The copier’s jammed; I just can’t win
And there’s playground duty before the bell rings.

Chorus

I teach 29 kids and what do I get?
Another day older and deeper in debt.
St Peter, don’t you call me to that Celestial Shore,
I got 29 kids and they’re sending me more.

There’s a kid in every seat from wall to wall,
Any more that come will have to stand in the hall.
They’re breathing down my neck; they’re walking on my toes,
They’re telling me their joys and I’m sharing (all) their woes.

Chorus

I teach 29 kids and what do I get?
Younger in heart and nothing to regret.
St Peter, don’t you call me, I can’t leave here;
I’ll have 29 students again next year.

The bell rings at three but I’m not through,
With marking and assessments and reports to do.
The pressure is on, I have to flee,
‘Cause I’ve got to get back for the P & C.

Chorus

I teach 29 kids, I’m putting them first,
But education’s goin’ from bad to worse !
Devolution’s a con – it just ain’t right,
So we have to stick together and win this fight.
And win this fight, and win this fight
Yes, we have to stick together and win this fight!

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