When can a teacher say that he/she is doing well in their career? When can a teacher say that they’ve failed? When can a teacher say that he/she has given more than enough and when could it be less? Some questions I am finding answers.
It was yesterday morning when I was called to the office to explain something. Something that shocked me. Something that I never expected to happen. I have a student whom I will call Student A, who will be the prime character of my story. Here it goes.
Student A is known in the campus for being lazy and troublesome. He’s the kind that comes to school with incomplete uniform and no homework. When you ask him why he’s like that, he’ll give you reasons of a kindergarten kid. Yes he maybe sweet some times, but the world is not flat and no matter how sweet he is, he’ll always go back to what he is used to be – troublesome student. One day came and he went to another teacher’s classroom. There he played with the teacher’s aquarium and all its fish. The next day, one of the most expensive gold fish died, the oxygen tank was broken as well, and the teacher who owns the aquarium complained. As the student’s adviser, I was outraged with what he did. I am always reminding my students to be mindful of others and respect their properties, but boom! He’s the one who never listens! As a punishment, I told him to replace the fish and the oxygen tank that he broke, if he’ll not be able to replace it, I will not give him a seat to take the exams. Days passed and no fish arrived. I reminded him many times and the only answer I get is “Yes teacher, I will bring it tomorrow“, but tomorrow never ends!
Quarter exams came and I stayed firm with my decision not to give him the test. I want him to realize that what he did is wrong and he needs to learn the lesson, this time – the hard way! Before we proceeded with the tests I initiated a call to Student A’s parents to inform them of the situation and both parties got surprised with the exchange of information. Apparently, Student A already asked his parents for money to replace the fish and oxygen tank, but he never bought them instead he replaced his old pair of shoes. Brilliant! Now the parents claim that Student A already paid his teacher when there’s no business like this happened. Wow, this student is a certified liar! To clear the situation, I explained to them that he has never paid anyone and no one has received money from him. So still no test without the fish and they agreed. A couple of hours later Student A’s sister came and handed him the fish, soon the teacher who owns the aquarium was happy to receive them and I immediately gave him his exams as part of our deal. Before we part ways that day, I gave him advices and I hoped that this will never happen again. Case closed.
As a teacher, I treat my students as my little brothers and sisters. I am their partner in everything as long as it is right. I impart my knowledge and shares them my happiness. But then, some of them will not be grateful of your deeds. Some of them will get angry with you when you discipline them, and one of them is Student A. After the incident, his parents decided to transfer him to another school. In just 2 days they have taken all his records and puff! He’s gone!
The school’s board of directors got this information and now they are issuing me a letter of warning for my actions. For what action? For disciplining my student?!? F*ck! My hands didn’t lay on his skin, I didn’t hurt him when he has done bad things, all I did is just discipline him and we made a very good deal. Then why am I being caught in the middle. For the school, they have business to keep and if I don’t get to keep the students, I am fired!!! Damn! This whole thing ruined my day and it gave me butterflies in my tummy! A letter of warning will not suit my beautiful record, I don’t want it and I will never like it!
The whole day, I thought of things while I am on my chair. To discipline or not to discipline? I don’t know. My mind’s messed but I will never give up. I am sure that I am doing a great job and I don’t want anybody to piss with me. Before I close this, I want to let other parents like me who have kids attending school to know this – teachers are our helpers in grooming our children, they should never take the whole responsibilities that you should be doing. Working together things will be a lot easier.
“A good teacher is like a candle – it consumes itself first to light the way for others.“