Another public school teacher is about to lose her professional license after being accused of abusing a student. This was recently televised and was brought to the attention of many public school teachers. Most of them were disappointed by how the incident ended up losing her professional license.
While it is clear that abusing a child is never right and should not be tolerated, teachers should also be heard and understood that imposing discipline to their students must not be interpreted as child abuse as quickly.
A social media post by Sir Danilo Acosta Lumabas went viral recently stating some facts and realities of teachers, students, and parents. And we quote:
"ON THE ISSUE OF TEACHER PROTECTION
Recently, a public school teacher is under fire and on the verge of being stripped off from her license on the accusation of verbal abuse to an elementary student. The case was brought to the attention of a media personality (I can't even call him a journalist). These concerns are manifestations of several realities:
1. Some parents are unaware of the behavioral patterns of their children, especially during their stay in school. In many cases that I usually hear (and sometimes meddle with) in our Guidance Office, some parents would usually use this as an excuse: "hindi naman kasi ganyan ang anak ko sa bahay", or some to that effect. These parents, based from our experiences, have some tendencies to be lenient to their child and instead, leave everything to the school in disciplining the child. In these cases, it is very important that the teacher always have a notebook that will serve as his anecdotal record whenever any untoward incident will happen inside the class, particularly on cases that a student will manifest some unruliness. These anecdotal records can be used as evidence whenever any kunsintidor parents will arise.
2. Some parents want instant solutions, particularly solutions that would satisfy them. The proper way of solving some of the issues between the student, the parent and the teacher through meetings inside the school or in the Division Office no longer sit well with the parents, and instead seek the help of media, on the premise of expediting the result through broadcasting on national TV. Unfortunately, some of the parents, on their privacy, would say the reason for this action as "para mapahiya din yung teacher, bagay yun sa kanya, makaganti man lang", or some to that effect. The noble purpose of seeking justice for their child is forfeited with this kind of revenge mentality. I know one particular incident that this media personality cursed the principal, the guidance counselor and the concerned teacher on national radio, relying only on the statement of the parent, and without asking the concerned teacher's explanation of the event. In our school, in the past, issues between the parents and teachers would end in an amicable settlement the monetary way. In some public schools, this has been the way of some parents to get even with the teachers.
3. Some parents do not know the difference between discipline and child abuse. In one quite recent occasion, a parent met the teacher in a confrontational way along the corridor within the eyes of other students who are witnessing. The parent would say "na-trauma ang anak ko sa iyo!" (while the student would be seen na nagpipigil ng tawa). The use of the word trauma by some parents is a great way for them to blow up their issue with the teacher, without knowing the exact meaning of this medical term. The excuse of, "hindi ko nga yan pinapagalitan sa bahay, tapos ikaw sisigawan mo lang?" is a common way of some parents in some schools. These parents (by experience) eventually will be having the same problem in the next couple of years, as their child will encounter the same behavioral problem due to the subconscious idea of these students that, either their parents will be at their rescue, or it is ok to do it again (because of their altered way of seeing things and values system). The idea of in loco parentis (in place of parents) of teachers should be clear both to students and their parents. It is very unfortunate that the laws governing the policies of protecting children used researches and studies developed outside of our country. The use of Western way of treating a child's misdemeanors have been proven fatal to the teacher here in the Philippines. It has been gravely abused by some parents. As I always point out, WE ARE ASIANS, and we have our own set of thought on how to develop and disipline our children. In the different schools in Southeast Asia, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia for example, caning is the usual method of disciplining the students. Asians particularly have a high regard to their teachers. Severe corporal punisment should not be tolerated inside the school, yes. But the parents should have a clear-cut idea on the difference between discipline and child abuse. I CONDEMN WITH THE STRONGEST WORDS POSSIBLE THE PARENTS WHO ACT AS SPOKESPERSONS AND ATTORNEYS OF THEIR MISBEHAVING CHILDREN AND ARE USED OF PAMPERING THE DISTORTED WORDS AND ACTIONS OF THEIR CHILDREN. Now, years after the implementation of this Child Protection Policy, behold what kind of students we are now producing. What more can we expect from the students of today after another ten years from now?"
Comments