As a retired teacher I take umbrage at the attack Tom Brewer pummelled upon all teachers. During my years of teaching I would say 99 per cent of teachers do not fall into the category to which he is referring.
There are many attacks he has made, so I would first like to address the issue of discipline and respect. Being outside in the public and being in the classroom demand the same level of respect and discipline. And this has to come from the home first. If children aren’t taught these basic rules of behaviour at home how are they going to learn? This is not the job of teachers. They have a huge umbrella of jobs and more and more responsibility trying to cope with many special needs children in a classroom, children that come to school without a lunch or without a warm coat, to touch on just a few of the many issues.
As to the comment about gold stars and lack of involvement I am appalled.
Regarding the comment about how important it is for teachers to talk about strike action is unbelievable to hear. The very last thing teachers want to do is strike! They want stability and to be able to do their job. It’s not fun to only have an hour before and after school to plan and mark. Nor is it fun to stand in front of your school with a placard.
Professional development days were added on to the school calendar many years ago by the teachers so they could collaborate, learn and keep improving.
There will always be the odd person – in any profession – who will take advantage of a situation to “golf” as you suggested. But this is not the norm.
I will end by saying shame on you, Mr. Editor, for printing such a biased view of teachers. The public needs to know the truth. And that is not what you printed on March 7.
Marilyn Jobson
