THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE RECENT upsurge in violence in classrooms all over the island has made it abundantly clear that the classroom is as much a place for criminals as it is a place of learning. In fact, teachers seem to spend more time defending themselves than they do delivering lessons. The criminals of the classroom are on the loose, creating havoc in our schools and damning whatever prospect of a 'bright' future we may have.
It is not at all laughable that institutions of learning should be reduced to criminal control centres. It is now practical for teachers to receive military training in order to perform their dual role in the classroom that of teacher and law enforcer.
Gone are the days when teachers are held in high esteem and where unfavourable remarks about teachers had to be grumbled by students amongst themselves. It has become the norm for students to flagrantly and unreservedly criticise teachers and they even take it a step further to assault the said same teachers who try so desperately to enlighten them.
It is shocking that students continue to display this attitude of disrespect and violence towards teachers. It is even more disturbing to note that parents stand in solidarity with their children even when they commit dastardly acts of violence against teachers. As a society, we need to seriously address this problem of student criminality, as it is a societal problem that will inevitably affect all of us.
The time is ripe, parents must now realise that they must be the leaders in the home and must control their insolent children rather than unleash them upon teachers in the classroom. The old adage "Learn fi dance a yawd before yuh dance abroad" is now more relevant than ever.
I am, etc.,
LA-RAINE CARPENTER
May Pen
Clarendon
