They ranged from abuse and racism, to one teacher accidentally showing porn to pupils.
The age-long debate of the quality of teachers has started again, but what I find interesting is we never really reach a conclusion to this debate.
According to a National School of the Arts pupil, the teacher accused of racism in Braamfontien is innocent. This pupil claims her fellow classmates are exaggerating. Well I think it’s best for the school and the department of education to make a ruling on what actually happened – it would not be the first time a bored pupil has made wild allegations.
When I was in primary school, my teacher threatened to throw a bunch of keys at a classmate. Taken out of context, the threat could of been taken as abuse, but kept in the environment in which the statement was made, the teacher was merely illustrating a point. The pupil in fact loved the attention.
We loved our teacher and knew she would never do anything to hurt a pupil, physically or verbally. I hope the same thing can be said about
teachers today. Sadly I think I am wrong.
While I truly hope the incident at the National School of Arts is a big misunderstanding, there are many teachers who have been found guilty of abuse, racism and violating the trust parents place in them.
For a teacher to be watching porn in a classroom filled with pupils is shocking, and I hope the accused gets more than a slap on the wrist.
Teachers should be kind, loving, understanding and trustworthy. They should love their jobs – let’s face it, they are not there for the money.
There are too many teachers out there today who see their job, just as a job. Gone is the passion and enthusiasm for the profession.
If things continue as they are, our children have no hope of receiving a quality education.
The department of education needs to act, and act fast.
