THE EDITOR, Sir:
KINDLY AFFORD me a space to express my views on the way in which the teachers of Jamaica are being treated. This is in terms of 'respect' and 'salary'.
I can remember when I was going to school, or even before, teachers used to be highly respected by both parents and teachers, but this has changed drastically.
In school, teachers have to be extremely careful how they instil discipline in students or else they will be cursed, threatened or beaten by parents or the students themselves. Obviously, teachers have no rights in the classroom anymore. No wonder our society has become so corrupt. The level of discipline in the schools has deteriorated.
Teachers have to play the role of nurses, lawyers, doctors and counsellors yet they are not being regarded.
In time past, when someone saw a teacher whether the teacher teaches him or not he would never use certain words, but this is not so anymore. Teachers are being disrespected and abused.
In terms of salary Sir, I would really like to know why when teachers are to get an increase they are being treated so inconsiderately, and the public gets the impression that teachers are "greedy".
I don't think that teachers are greedy, but they need to be properly paid. They have responsibilities like any other professionals, and should be treated likewise.
I believe that our teachers are being treated unfairly and unjustly. They should be given a reasonable salary offer.
Remember 'No Teacher' 'No Future'.
I am, etc.,
SEYMOUR REDWOOD
St. Catherine
