Time we learnt to respect teachers

IN AN education system that is falling apart at the seams, we now have the utterly ridiculous situation where teenagers are going to secretly monitor and report the behaviour of their teachers, the very people parents expect to give their children an education and decent start in life.

The sanctity and authority of the teachers has already been abused and jettisoned by the authorities, pupils, parents and the bleeding heart brigade, and they then expect teachers to deliver the goods.

What a cheek! Now we have The Guardian Schools Anonymous Reporting App to add to teachers’ woes, making the teaching situation untenable and where false and malicious reporting can ruin a teacher’s reputation and livelihood.

One can imagine the tension and unpleasant atmosphere prevailing at such a school.

A teacher from Witbank, writing in the Sunday Times (September 11), states: “I work a 14-hour day and some little kid can report me without a hearing or finding out the truth. I am going to look for another job.” Can one blame her and other teachers adopting the same attitude? So much for appreciation.

What recourse have teachers got? Can they sue the school, parents and pupils if allegations are proved to be untrue?

A shocking situation indeed, where pupils now rule the roost and make the decisions. What next? Pupils holding staff meetings to tell teachers what they can and cannot do?

Sanctity and authority of teachers is already abused

Sunnyridge, Germiston