THIS is with reference to the article ‘Valuing educators’ (Nov 19). As a young mathematics teacher, having worked for several ‘prestigious’ schools that charge substantially high fee and present themselves as ‘leading providers of education’, I could not agree more with the content of the said article.

These observations as an educationist resonate deeply with my own experiences regarding the current environment the educators face. Nowadays, students and their parents are treated as ‘valued clients’, given the high fee they pay to the insti-tutions. A growing trend is seen among the students, regardless of age or grade. They leverage the family’s financial influence to the extent that they violate classroom discipline with impunity.

Teachers, bound by institutional policies, are unable to enforce strict discipline even through simple positive punishment techniques, involving, say, additional homework. Even more concerning is the growing trend of holding teachers acco-untable for any sort of misconduct by the students, regardless of the circumstances and whether it happened during the teacher’s presence or not. This undermines the educator’s position. There is no point treating teachers as ‘slaves’ serving the ‘valued clients’. It is very unfair for insti-tutions to expect unwavering commitment from the teachers without providing the respect and support they need in return.

An inclusive, warm and welcoming environment where teachers feel valued and financially compensated is what is needed. This will encourage the educators to work with genuine passion, fostering an eagerness to perform their roles more passionately. The school administrations, parents and policymakers should recognise the indispensable role that the teachers play in shaping future generations.

Talia Aamir
Karachi

Published in Dawn, December 24th, 2024