To the Editor,
I am appalled with some of the perception and lack of respect teachers in this province receive from the public.
Teachers are not glorified daycare providers, recreation coordinators or surrogate parents – much to the disillusionment of many.
A teacher’s primary role is as an educator who implements the curriculum. To supplement the Ministry of Education’s often dry and limited curriculum, most teachers choose to enrich children’s overall life experience by voluntarily providing extra-curricular activities.
I wonder since when did this “extra” work became an “expectation”? Why is it that teachers are being harshly criticized for withdrawing from this “extra, voluntary” work instead of being applauded for it in the first place?
When something is offered for so long, for free, from the generosity of the giver, it often evolves into being taken for granted.
Being a teacher should not be akin to the job of being a parent with its often thankless and round-the-clock duties – we all know parents and spouses who declare an ‘on strike’ stance because of the lack of appreciation from their families.
Teachers enjoy contributing their talents to extra school activities; however, let’s not forget – it’s voluntary and a choice.
For those who think teachers are being unfair, cruel and selfish for withdrawing their voluntary activities – think about other professions: nurses, doctors, social workers, lawyers, engineers, accountants.
Do they, say, run a volleyball team, chess club or drama production for their patients/clients during unpaid hours? Do they voluntarily offer organized ways to enhance the lives of their clients outside their workday?
I have yet to see a social worker organize recreational activities after work hours for the families they work with.
Why does the public expect teachers to do this and then vilify them for withdrawing these gifts of time and talent? The outrage toward teachers is undeniably misdirected.
Shame on the government and the ill-perceiving public who criticize and take teachers for granted.
Leila Rai
Nanaimo
