Dr Hayes spent 17 years in a variety of primary schools, including two deputy headships and a headship. Denis is widely published and has written numerous books, all with relevance to primary teaching. He believes that the vast majority of primary teachers are motivated by altruism and the opportunity to positively influence young minds, such that teaching is as much a ‘calling’ as a career. Denis has a research interest in motivation for teaching and trainee teacher experiences on school placement.