In our education system, teachers play a vital role in shaping the minds of future generations. However, it is disheartening to see that teachers often face challenges and are not always treated with the respect and support they deserve.
“It’s extremely important to respect and protect teachers because of the vital role they play in society. Teachers are responsible for providing students with knowledge and tools needed to navigate life efficiently.” says geometry teacher, Ms. Bethany Poullath.
One of the glaring issues faced by teachers is insufficient compensation. Many teachers are paid minimum wage or even less, considering the dedication and effort they invest in their profession. This not only affects their motivation and job satisfaction but also makes it challenging for them to meet their personal and financial needs. By undervaluing teachers’ work, society fails to recognize the significant impact they have on the lives of students, teachers, and the overall development of society.
“I believe that it would be wonderful if great teachers received better support. Teaching is a great career, but it can be underpaying for the amount of preparation, education, and actual work a dedicated teacher puts into it. In the last couple of years, there have been strides made to address this issue, but like many careers, it continues to trail behind the increases in the cost of living.” says chemistry teacher, Mr. Eduardo Paez.
Teachers often face a lack of respect from both students and parents. Disruptive behavior, lack of discipline, and disregard for a teacher’s authority have unfortunately become common in some classrooms. Moreover, parents sometimes fail to acknowledge the importance of teachers’ time and the demands on their personal lives. This lack of respect undermines the teacher-student relationship, hampers the learning environment, and creates additional stress for educators.
“In the classroom, getting students to respect their teachers is critical for a proper learning environment. When students and teachers have a respectful relationship, it allows us to build closer connections and significantly improves the enthusiasm the teacher has toward delivering lessons and that the students have when encountering challenging assignments. When respect is not present in the classroom, both students and teachers have a more difficult experience, and less learning can occur.” Paez continues.
It is crucial to remember that teachers have lives outside of the classroom. They have families, hobbies, and other duties that deserve attention. Many teachers spend countless hours outside of regular school hours grading papers, preparing lesson plans, and providing extra support to students. The misconception that teachers have an easy job or excessive free time is far from the truth. Recognizing and respecting teachers’ personal lives allows them to maintain a healthy work-life balance and, in turn, positively impacts their effectiveness in the classroom.
As a student considering a career in teaching, I have witnessed firsthand the poor treatment of my teachers. This, coupled with the knowledge of how teachers at other schools are mistreated, has led me to reconsider my career choice. The effects of such mistreatment can be seen in teachers going on strike, adversely affecting student learning and growth. It is disheartening to witness the consequences of undervaluing and disrespecting educators.
Apart from low compensation and lack of respect, there are several other ways teachers are being treated poorly. Some of these challenges include:
1. Inadequate resources: Teachers often struggle with limited budgets and insufficient access to necessary teaching materials, hindering their ability to provide a quality education.
2. Lack of professional development opportunities: Continuous learning and professional growth are vital for teachers to stay updated with new teaching methodologies and best practices. However, limited access to training and development programs restricts their professional advancement.
3. Increased workload and administrative demands: Teachers are burdened with excessive paperwork, administrative tasks, and standardized testing requirements, diverting their focus from actual teaching and student engagement.
Teachers form the backbone of our education system, and we must protect and respect them. By addressing issues such as low compensation, lack of respect, and additional challenges, we can create a positive and supportive environment for teachers to thrive. Let us recognize the dedication, passion, and hard work of our educators, ensuring they receive the respect and support they deserve. Only then can we truly cultivate a flourishing education system that benefits all stakeholders – students, teachers, and society.
“Education tends to be a high-stress field and it has been increasingly more difficult to retain teachers. That’s why it’s especially important to value educators because when they do not feel supported, they are more likely to burn out and change careers. We want our children to have access to experienced and knowledgeable educators and one way to do that is by respecting and protecting them.” Poullath shares.
Paez shares his views by stating: “Respecting teachers is aligned with non-teachers; Every individual should receive the same basic level of respect and civility, teachers included. As for respect beyond the basics, I think that all people should have the opportunity to gain a higher level of respect as you get to know them, their values, and the way they conduct themselves.”
