A teachers’ role has evolved drastically

CELEBRATING World Teachers’ Day no longer means solely honouring those who educate pupils, but it means acknowledging those who serve as role models, counsellors and disciplinarians to a generation who have transgressed the norm. The day is celebrated on Friday.

The challenges teachers face today come as a result of a transitioning society, overcrowded classrooms, the influence of drugs and poverty on pupils, and discipline issues, which have almost sidelined teaching.

Cedar High School teacher Estelle Bresendale said teachers often opt for early retirement or leave before their contract ends as many struggle to cope with the pressure of the numerous roles teachers have to adopt in class.

“You cannot just teach, you have to be a therapist and you have to control the kids.

“Around the school there is a constant level of noise. Kids are becoming uncontrollable and you can’t shout at them or touch them.

“There is so much aggression from pupils, which we have to deal with. Currently, there are 46 kids in a class and we have to keep the numbers high to hold on to our teachers.

“You need a certain number of kids to have a certain number of teachers. It’s a double-edged sword,” said Bresendale.

The grade head and matric teacher at Cedar High, Mariam Daniels, agreed with Bresendale and said the lack of deterrents in the system make it difficult for teachers to manage unruly behaviour in class.

“Kids get counselled and put back in the system and do the same thing. I’m not in favour of corporal punishment, but it was a deterrent and learners were more disciplined.

“Cellphones are also an issue and create problems where concentration is concerned.

“It’s a good resource, but even with rules for the use of cellphones in class, they can’t tear themselves away from it,” said Daniels.

Executive officer for professional matters and development at Naptosa Lynne Johns said the role of the modern teacher had evolved drastically.

Johns said teachers no longer teach, but facilitate learning, and many also become stand-in parents.

“Teachers are teaching in very difficult circumstances and bureaucracy is taking too long to change.

“We need innovation to come to the table.”

Johns said teachers are doing a fantastic job in very difficult circumstances and with little appreciation.