Language teachers need to shape up

“WE need more English teachers” (Off the Cuff, Sept 2) refers. We have certified English teachers but they do not seem to have a love for the language.

Even when one is thrust into a role that was not familiar, upon taking on the role, one can fall in love with it and through one’s own efforts excel in it. This is sorely missing. These teachers with negative attitudes will not change their level of performances despite attending seminars and intensive programmes.

The school culture does not support the development of the language, as most heads do not speak good English. In most schools, principals can’t even conduct an assembly in English.

Schools are unable to have English Language Days as there are many reluctant principals and teachers, although all of them would have had at least a pass in English at SPM level. But, they won’t budge – and the students do feel this, more so in the rural schools.

The politicians are not helping. They do not speak the language, and often contradict the vision of achieving proficiency in both Bahasa Malaysia as well as English. When the educators and the political leaders can’t be examples, the students do not have models to follow.

Teachers who are not proficient in English – despite being certified as trained English teachers – should be given time to shape up through their own efforts – or face the axe, so that appropriate replacements can be found, as keeping the deadwood will not help.

Teachers who do not continue to read and have lifelong education as a lifestyle definitely stifle the dynamism of education and we have to move out of it fast through affirmative action. K. Narayanasamy Malacca