How we treat each other is important
THE EDITOR, Madam:
“Positions are temporary. Rank and titles are limited. But the way you treat people will always be remembered.” – Unknown.
THE TEACHING profession is no longer seen as a viable long term career. For many aspiring educators, teaching is their plan B. As a result, the profession has always operated on a human resource deficit.
While there are pockets of excellence throughout the education system, the vast majority of the students continue to struggle with literacy. Undoubtedly, the emphasis cannot be on those students who are fortunate enough to be able to enter through those windows of excellence. Without a doubt, more strategic plans must be put in place to address the needs of those students for whom the system does not work.
The nobility that was once associated with the teaching profession has long been replaced by a culture of disrespect and dismissive silence by those tasked with making policy.
Some of the regional directors at the education ministry have not exhibited the appropriate decorum that is expected of the office they hold. The sense of entitlement they exhibit leaves much to be desired. They need to realise that they are servants of the people.
Some regional directors belittle the classroom teacher and in some instances they use discriminatory words in an attempt to emasculate teachers and question their manhood. There is one particular case in which a female regional director told a male teacher to “man up” followed by other very offensive comments. This “man up” comment was disparaging and far removed from the situation being discussed. These comments once again highlight a culture of disrespect that is pervasive in the wider society and entrenched in the daily interactions many educators experience.
There is little or no empathy and compassion shown to classroom teachers, especially in their time of need. In fact, many teachers are singled out and have been victimised over the years. Sadly, many educators suffer in silence due to unfair treatment and have been denied promotion. How can a teacher serve for 25 or 30 years and have never been promoted to a senior teacher?
Something is evidently wrong with the education system as it relates to the treatment of teachers. How then can you expect such teachers to continue to demonstrate total commitment and passion for a system that is based on favouritism, nepotism and cronyism? We have sacrificed meritocracy on the altar of corruption.
WAYNE CAMPBELL Educator and social commentator