"Geoff and Margaret's Old School Book of Retirement Tales" is a light-hearted book by two septuagenarian teachers who, the publisher says, returned to teaching in 2022. It grew out of Geoff's @RetirementTales Twitter account, which shared warm and funny school memories during the pandemic.
The book follows Geoff and Margaret from answering 'The Call', looking back at how education has changed and at what has stayed the same: the core of what makes a great teacher. The stories range from laugh-out-loud to thought-provoking, and all show that teaching is about more than the syllabus.
With so much in education changing, the book is a reminder of what doesn't: commitment, community and the joy of teaching.
It mixes lessons from the past with today's challenges. A good read for teachers new and old who want some inspiration and connection.
Who it is for
The publisher pitches it at teachers, non-teachers and anyone with fond memories of school. For a headteacher it is light staffroom reading or a leaving or retirement gift, not a professional development text: it has no leadership or classroom guidance.
About the book
- Authors: Geoff and Margaret, two retired teachers who went back to the classroom (publisher).
- Publisher: Focus Education. December 2023, 140 pages, A5 in colour.
- ISBN: 9781911416784.
Source: Focus Education shop listing, checked 13 October 2026.