Letter of the Day | How we treat each other is important

THE EDITOR, Madam:

“Positions are temporary. Rank and titles are limited. But the way you treat people will always be remembered.” – Unknown.

The teaching profession is no longer seen as a viable long term career. For many aspiring educators, teaching is their plan B. As a result, the profession has always operated on a human resource deficit.

While there are pockets of excellence throughout the education system, the vast majority of the students continue to struggle with literacy. Undoubtedly, the emphasis cannot be on those students who are fortunate enough to be able to enter through those windows of excellence. Without a doubt, more strategic plans must be put in place to address the needs of those students for whom the system does not work.

The nobility that was once associated with the teaching profession has long been replaced by a culture of disrespect and dismissive silence by those tasked with making policy.

Some of the regional directors at the education ministry have not exhibited the appropriate decorum that is expected of the office they hold. The sense of entitlement they exhibit leaves much to be desired. They need to realise that they are servants of the people.

Some regional directors belittle the classroom teacher and in some instances they use discriminatory words in an attempt to emasculate teachers and question their manhood. There is one particular case in which a female regional director told a male teacher to “man up” followed by other very offensive comments. This “man up” comment was disparaging and far removed from the situation being discussed. These comments once again highlight a culture of disrespect that is pervasive in the wider society and entrenched in the daily interactions many educators experience.

There is little or no empathy and compassion shown to classroom teachers, especially in their time of need. In fact, many teachers are singled out and have been victimised over the years. Sadly, many educators suffer in silence due to unfair treatment and have been denied promotion. How can a teacher serve for 25 or 30 years and have never been promoted to a senior teacher?

Something is evidently wrong with the education system as it relates to the treatment of teachers. How then can you expect such teachers to continue to demonstrate total commitment and passion for a system that is based on favouritism, nepotism and cronyism? We have sacrificed meritocracy on the altar of corruption.

The promotion to senior teacher has been weaponised over the years by too many principals and the education ministry is complicit in this regard. Not only should the culture of misandry be interrogated but measures must be put in place to ensure that male teachers can get some redress. This culture of arrogant dismissive behaviour is problematic and must be eradicated from the education system. One’s degree is only a piece of paper; your education is seen in your behaviour or lack thereof.

On the other hand, many post-slavery societies such as Jamaica continue to operate along a philosophy akin to slavery where the division among the populace is not only subtle but obvious. These problems obviously run counter to Jamaica’s 2030 vision that envision Jamaica as the place of choice to live, work, raise families, and do business. The society, therefore, should not be alarmed at the high number of teachers who are leaving the classroom. Is it better to be a second-rated citizen in a foreign country than to be a third-rated citizen in the land of your birth? This toxic culture has to change. Where is the humanity? Where is the accountability? Where is the justice?

The time has come for some introspection. If our teachers remain uncomfortable, then our students and indeed the nation will suffer the consequences.

The Psalmist David in Psalms 75:6-7 says: “for promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: He putteth down one, and setteth up another.”

WAYNE CAMPBELL

Educator and social commentator