Dear Editor,
Over the years, I have publicly voiced my opinions, concerns and complaints on a range of issues through the ‘Letters to the Editor’ section of the newspapers. Most of the time, my public complaints especially concerning my personal interactions have brought about positive changes and I am grateful that I have access to this platform. However, when it comes to my profession particularly issues in the workplace, I tend to only turn to the media when I have exhausted all other avenues without success. Usually, my arguments for a particular outcome are given consideration by those with authority when in the public domain.
For instance, I wrote about the inadequate furniture and space at the school and shortly after more than enough furniture and other items arrived plus, we were moved from the library to more comfortable areas of the school (https://www.stabroeknews.com/2023/02/09/opinion/letters/inadequate-space-and-furniture-for-teachers-at-annandale-secondary-school/). However, two education officials came with the furniture to berate and accuse me of being ‘bitter’ and a ‘troublemaker’ but if I hadn’t written, most likely I’d still be sitting in the library on an uncomfortable chair and suffering from backaches and pains. Then I wrote about the lack of Spanish textbooks and training for teachers who were never exposed to administrative duties (https://www.stabroeknews.com/2024/04/24/opinion/letters/annandale-secondary-school-needs-spanish-textbooks/). I would have spoken about these things internally and reached out to the Book Distribution Unit. After not getting what was needed, I turned to the media and voilà the desired textbooks were sent. However, the Ministry of Education is yet to organise the required workshop/training session. I also mentioned the issue to the Inspectorate team that visited the school in September.
This academic term, I found myself in the same predicament; not getting satisfaction in the workplace or my concerns addressed and then having to turn to the media. An MoE employee was encouraging disrespectful behaviour towards the teachers. I refused to be disrespected by my student and his parent and therefore exposed the matter (https://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2024/09/18/this-moe-employee-encouraged-disrespectful-behaviour-from-a-student-and-his-parent-at-annandale-secondary-school/). And most recently, I was forced to write about the scheduled ‘free periods’ and teachers not reporting at the school for duty because I was affected and had tried to get the matter addressed several times with the administrative staff (https://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2024/10/08/putting-the-cart-before-the-horse-on-the-curriculum-at-annandale-secondary-school/). Afterwards, the ‘free periods’ were given to other departments.
Now I feel as if I’ve become a ‘target’. I was told by an education official that every time I write publicly about a school matter, he has to do a report yet when I try to get my concerns addressed with the relevant officials I’m usually ignored. After my last letter, ‘parents’ are now complaining about me. Last week the Headteacher, told me that he was instructed by the education officer to give me a ‘reprimand letter’ because a parent complained that I wasn’t teaching a class. When I asked for the name of the class the HM said he wasn’t told nor was he told the name of the parent or child and he claimed that the education officer doesn’t know either. In essence, I must defend myself against a complaint where nothing is known! And the same week my letter about the free periods was published an ‘unknown parent’ complained at the PTA meeting that I had a problem with a boy and told everyone in the class that I was no longer going to teach them. This ‘complaint’ was never raised prior to the meeting, nobody knows who the parent is and she hasn’t visited the school to get her problem addressed. Basically, she spouted unverified hearsay about me, I am denied my right to respond/address her concern and it is taken as a legitimate complaint by the education officer who was at the PTA meeting. An unknown person could slander me at a public forum and I am rebuked for it.
This Monday when the Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand visited the school for a Math Invention I was suddenly told by the DHM (ag) that a parent wants to see me about a complaint. The parent claimed that his daughter suffers from anxiety and medical issues and I caused her anxiety ‘to raise’ when I told her to stop walking around the class and talking during an assessment. He also claimed that she feels I was ‘targeting’ her yet couldn’t explain how. I told him that I need to maintain order and discipline in my classroom and if a child is being disruptive or disrespectful then I will tell him/her to stop. I have to create an environment that is not only conducive to learning but allows me to deliver my lesson to the entire class without distractions or disruptions. All students are expected to be respectful and follow class rules. Conveniently, the education officer was in the building to take this parent’s ‘complaint’.
The next day, a team from the Department of Education Region 4 visited the school to discuss the Minister’s findings. During the meeting we were asked to give our opinion on how the current state of the school can be improved when it comes to discipline, curriculum, records etc. I mentioned that the vendors are encouraging indiscipline behaviour by selling students during the time when they should be in their classes with teachers and I suggested what can be done to improve the situation. Also, I highlighted the lack of professionalism when it comes to the teacher-parent relationship. I suggested that parents should first visit the school and speak with the HM and relevant teachers if they have a concern. And when making a complaint for the first time by phone or at a public forum they need to provide their particulars and details of the issue so it can be verified before the teachers are wrongfully accused. All effort should be taken to have a cordial, positive and professional relationship between parents and teachers. Just because teachers are seen as poorly paid ‘lowly’ beings doesn’t mean that they are always wrong or people with their own petty grudges and personal vendettas can slander them. Each side should be given a listening ear and the issue verified before accusations are thrown regardless of who the parent or teacher is.
While I thought that what I said was logical and sound the education officials apparently didn’t agree with me. The education officer said that I should look at what is wrong with me first before I look at others and he went on a rant along that line. He even mentioned the ‘unknown’ parent complaining about me at the PTA and said that I ‘assaulted’ the girl with anxiety. Not only was this never brought to my attention but it seems like telling a child to be quiet is now seen as an assault. And he did not allow me to respond to this new allegation. Also, I was accused of insubordination by another official when I tried to respond. I felt so disrespected and attacked by these education officials. Editor, this is how education officials are now treating teachers they do not approve of. Instead of providing support, guidance and fostering a harmonious relationship where one’s complaints and concerns can be addressed, they attack those who want improvements in the system, refuse to put up with mediocrity and just be another sheep.,
Sincerely,
Narissa Deokarran