I WAS APPALLED to read recently of the dangerous work environment of some of the teachers at two schools in Barbados.
Some students apparently attend classes armed to the hilt, literally with knives – this is when they choose to attend classes. There also seems to be a lot of unexplained mass movements of the students that the teachers do know about and do not approve.
Of even more concern is the report that students are lighting papers in class. If this continues, it will only be a matter time before we hear of a teacher suffering serious burns or (Heaven help us!) being roasted to death.
How can these professionals be expected to do their job if these threats surround them like kindling in a dry forest?
There was a time when teachers would simply confiscate any undesirable object or potential weapon exposed by a student in the class. There was a time when discipline was a part of the responsibilities of teachers. There was a time when the principal knew what was going on, was part of, indeed, took the lead, in discipline in his school.
Of course, those days have long passed and a modern teacher would not dare to even approach, much less attempt to confiscate an item from a student or even try to discipline.
At least the teachers at these two schools have their priorities in place. They understand that it would not be seemly to bother their principal with such matters, grave as they may seem to be. They understand that when the principal is grappling with weightier matters like his retirement plans, it would just not be the thing to do.
It is sad that people do not understand the onerous responsibilities of teachers. How can they be expected to prepare and deliver lessons and keep an eye out for fires, knives and the like? How can principals properly plan their retirement if they are bothered by staff with details of what is happening in their schools?
It is time that the Ministry of Education step up and bring our schools into the modern era. Supply security escorts for each teacher while in class and a minimum of one police officer per school to monitor fires and potential weapons. Until then, our sympathy should go out to those poor teachers.
– GORDON WHARTON