Teachers are being bullied by a section of the parents in private schools. It’s a cause of serious concern, reasons Rekha. An exclusive for Different Truths.

As I browsed through the newspaper in the little few moments that I got between two teaching hours, I was rather annoyed or should I say saddened by a news item (Times of India, dated 22^nd July, 2020) where a teacher of a private school was being bullied by a parent. It’s absolutely pathetic a situation where this so-called parent just hijacks a session, which otherwise would have been one of fun and learning! What right does he/she have to micromanage classes by simply intruding and displaying an attitude of arrogance and apathy?

I was rather annoyed or should I say saddened by a news item…where a teacher of a private school was being bullied by a parent. It’s absolutely pathetic a situation where this so–called parent just hijacks a session, which otherwise would have been one of fun and learning! What right does he/she have to micromanage classes by simply intruding and displaying an attitude of arrogance and apathy?

Is it warranted that parents have a right to behave in this deplorable and condemnable manner? Can we even fathom that kind of a situation in our country where teachers in olden times were revered and respected! This kind of negative attitude is not only harmful to the students, but also for teachers and the institution as a whole, the three most important stakeholders of education.

It will only be successful in feeding the ego of the parent! Is he going to feel high and mighty about it? However, more damaging, is the example he is setting in front of his own child and other children who are a part of the class.

This is what happens when students and parents become ‘customers or clients’ and the schools become ‘vendors or service providers’. I was once told that, in an international school where I worked years ago, I quote, ‘Students are our customers’. This is the most absurd idea that I have ever come across in my almost 30 years of teaching career. It is sad that schools and other educational institutions are metamorphosing into a new mindset called ‘corporate culture’ which, until recently, was unknown in the field of education.

This is what happens when students and parents become ‘customers or clients’ and the schools become ‘vendors or service providers’. I was once told that, in an international school where I worked years ago, I quote, ‘Students are our customers’. This is the most absurd idea that I have ever come across in my almost 30 years of teaching career.

Everyone should well understand that teachers have taken to an absolutely new domain of expertise and they are bound to face some teething problems. But the fact remains that they have succeeded in adapting to this new method very comfortably, notwithstanding their lack of experience or expertise in technical knowledge.

In the same breath, I would like to laud parents who totally are appreciative of teachers, and according to them they are doing a great job and with utmost sincerity, dedication and adequate skills as well. We should not forget that they also have other commitments to fulfil and a home to run, in some cases without much help from other members of the family. When teachers are in school, they are not so burdened with housework, but now with work from a home culture has become the new normal, it is definitely taking a serious toll on them. They have very little of what is called as me-time. Getting ready and preparing for a class now is a more arduous task than before and there are many other challenges too, which are beyond their control.

Today’s parents are extremely adept in keeping themselves abreast of technology and so they feel it’s not a big deal to teach online. However, that’s not quite the case with teachers; for them, it is a paradigm shift. Moreover, they may need a little more time to get accustomed to this new technology-driven environment.

Today’s parents are extremely adept in keeping themselves abreast of technology and so they feel it’s not a big deal to teach online. However, that’s not quite the case with teachers; for them, it is a paradigm shift. Moreover, they may need a little more time to get accustomed to this new technology-driven environment. Let us give them due respect, and at the same time be patient. Let me reiterate here that they rightly deserve your encouragement, support and everything else and more. It is a humble and earnest appeal to give them that space and time so that they are able to do their work with the same passion, interest and enthusiasm that they are gifted with.

What if teachers decide to make a conscious move to a profession that is more lucrative and rewarding in terms of money and status? I must remind you here that even if technology were to reach advanced levels, robots can never have an emotional and personal connection with students. Can robots ever replace teachers in all respects?

What if teachers decide to make a conscious move to a profession that is more lucrative and rewarding in terms of money and status? I must remind you here that even if technology were to reach advanced levels, robots can never have an emotional and personal connection with students.

I sum up my thoughts with something that I read very recently, which held the teaching fraternity in high esteem. In Germany, teachers receive the highest salary and when judges, doctors and engineers asked the chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel for the same salary, she told them, “How can I compare you to those who taught you?”

Friends, doesn’t that say it all?

Photo from the Internet