WHEN you work with machines a written and specific solution is prescribed for every problem that occurs, but when you work with students, it’s different. A teacher deals with more than 40 students per class who have different personalities and weaknesses. Misdemeanors and conflicts do occur, but there is no guidebook that tells a teacher what to do when a problem happens. Besides, what works for someone may not work for another.
Teachers may be highly educated, but they are human beings who are not infallible. They also commit mistakes. Unless these mistakes are willful and deliberate, teachers deserve understanding and forgiveness. If a student hurls an accusation against a teacher, an impartial investigation has to be conducted. Both sides need to be heard. If it is proven that there was indeed an offense, the punishment must be commensurate to the offense – not based on the whim of the aggrieved party and relatives. While we continue to uphold the rights of the child, we have to protect, support, and empower the teachers, too.
Academically, they may be highly equipped and are committed to serve, but for teachers who seriously care about children, sticking to a set of rules and becoming consistent remains a challenge. You can not overreact. You can not afford to lose your patience. You have an obligation to act as a surrogate parent no matter how headstrong some of these students are. All eyes are on you. No one must be exempted – although consideration must be given if a student is sick, or has experienced something unforseen.
No matter what and how you feel, you have to remain calm and go on with the day’s learning objectives. When students are inactive in class, you have to do everything to motivate them to participate. When someone is always tardy or always absent you have to ask the reason and offer a piece of advice. Asking students to explain this is something they dislike. You do it, anyway, because you care.
Students do not often realize that. They want teachers who are lax when it comes to rules and submission of requirements. They want them to not say a word when an assignment or project is haphazardly done.
Teachers are not here to please all students. They are mandated to teach, to help instill and reinforce values, to help develop persons who are academically equipped, who believe in their capabilities, and are inspired to do more and become more – persons who will help build a strong nation.
Teachers cannot do this alone.