Teachers hit out at ratings website
April 2005
A NEW website that allows students to rate the performance of their teachers has met with widespread resistance from schools throughout the country, who object to the extra scrutiny their staff are placed under.
The site, www.ratemyteachers.ie, was originally established in the US but its popularity proved so great that a similar venture was set up in Ireland in December.
While Wicklow schools actually fare pretty well, and received plenty of favourable comments, the fact that anybody can log anonymously and say whatever they like about individual teachers has caused concern.
Teachers are rated on the grounds of easiness, helpfulness and clarity. The user is invited to check in to the school and the site gives a list of the individual teachers, allowing them to rate their teaching skills, as well as post any comments.
David Hallahan, Principal of Scoil Chonglais in Baltinglass, feels there should be some sort of control over the site.
‘It seems to be open season. Personally from the school’s point of view there is no real damage done as there haven’t been any bad comments,’ he said.
‘Its a pity that the people using the facility aren’t identifiable. There is no accountability on their part and they can say anything they want. The temptation is there for a student or ex-student with a grudge to wind people up by saying things completely untrue.’
Scoil Chonglais might have received positive ratings, but Mr. Hallahan has been shocked at some of the comments made about teachers from other schools. In particular he objects to some comments which had nothing to do with teaching ability, but instead seemed to attack individual teacher’s personal lives.
However he admits, ‘It isn’t something we really worry about. The comments have been generally positive. It would be nice to see some control over it but its not something anyone here will be losing any sleep over.’
Teacher’s unions have sought legal advice over the site, particularly as advertising space is actually sold on the page.