Teachers as burden bearers

THE EDITOR, Sir:

Whenever there are nego-tiations for an increase in teachers' salary, the teachers' necks are placed on the chopping block. They are blamed for students' failure, criticised for being lazy, greedy and incompetent, and hence undeserving of any raise in wages. The fact is, the majority of teachers are very dedicated and hard-working. They make every effort to ensure that their students excel.

When the police strike, they are not lambasted because they place their lives in danger to protect citizens. When nurses strike, they are not criticised because they are doing essential services. However, when teachers demand better wages they are led like lambs to the slaughter.

Quick money

If truth be told, many of the students that these detractors are defending do not want an education. They want money and they want it quickly. There are students who are alleged to be involved in the infamous lotto scam. Last year, one of our newspapers carried a story of a primary school student who was a millionaire at 10 years of age.

Some students often remark that they do not want education because there are teachers who are working for many years and have to be taking public transportation because they cannot afford a car, while they, on the other hand, are able to drive 'crissas' on graduating from high school.

If students do not want to learn, they cannot be forced to do so, as you can lead a horse to water but you cannot make it drink.

Many schools, especially the upgraded ones, lack the facilities to enhance learning. Therefore, teachers in these high schools have to work two times as hard as those in the traditional ones. Many teachers have to buy CD players and other gadgets out of their own pockets to ensure that students learn.

Teachers are burdened by the load they have to bear. They play the role of parents, doctors, police, judges and pastors, and are even sometimes victims of armed deliquents.

After the results of the Grade Four Literacy Test was published, teachers got another share of beating. If in a class of 40 students six end up illiterate, it is not the teacher's fault. Many students are able to read at the basic school level. However, the majority should be able to read by the end of grade one. If students pass through primary schools and are still illiterate, they could be dyslexic. Such students need reading specialists as not every teacher is trained in teaching reading.

I am, etc.,

VERY OBSERVANT

Ramble PO

Hanover