For me, Ms Haq was the teacher you never forget. But today’s Ms Haqs are quitting | Bridget Phillipson

Education is key to children's life chances - that's why Labour will end the Tory chaos that is driving teachers out of the profession

• Bridget Phillipson is a Labour MP and shadow education secretary

Picture the scene: a crumbling school in the north-east, ceilings held up by steel props, children taught in draughty temporary classrooms. In the corner of one, a shy, quiet girl with long plaits sits up, listening intently to the teacher at the front of the class: a young, enthusiastic woman taking a Spanish lesson, eager to inspire her pupils - many of whom, as she did, are growing up on council estates on the outskirts of town.

She tells her charges that there's no ceiling on what they can achieve, that there is value and worth in every one of them. She even coaches them at rugby in her spare time, and imbues them with a love of learning that will stay with them throughout their lives. We all remember an inspirational teacher, and mine was Ms Haq.

Bridget Phillipson is a Labour MP and shadow education secretary