The Crisis in the Teaching Profession
The teaching profession is facing a silent crisis, with many young teachers choosing to quit their jobs despite the scarcity of permanent teaching positions. This phenomenon has been noticed globally, with UNESCO identifying it over two decades ago.
Factors Contributing to Teacher Resignations
- School and Classroom Conditions: Teachers face numerous challenges within their schools, including bureaucratic aggression and the denial of professional autonomy.
- Home Environment Changes: Alterations in the home environment have affected children's behavior at school, adding to the stress teachers face.
- Technological Pressures:
- Some schools enforce the use of digital resources, which not all teachers agree with, especially those who value analytical reflection over technological exposure.
- The push towards embracing AI and technology in education is not universally welcomed by educators.
- Additional Work and Responsibilities: Teachers are often burdened with extra duties beyond teaching, such as event management and extensive digital record-keeping.
- Economic Stress: Even teachers from economically weaker backgrounds have resigned due to the overwhelming stress of added responsibilities.
Classroom Violence and Its Impact
There is a growing concern over increased aggression, bullying, and violence within classrooms, influenced by early exposure to smartphones and social media. This adds to the stress teachers experience and impacts their decision to resign.
Challenges in Rural Schools
- Limited Resources: Many rural schools operate with very few teachers, who are also tasked with administrative duties such as data collection and transmission.
- Data Management Focus: The emphasis on managing and supplying data has overshadowed the core focus on teaching and children's learning, prioritizing transparency and evidence of efficiency.
Conclusion
The teaching profession is undervalued, with the system prioritizing data and outcomes over children's well-being and learning. This disconnect between official and teachers’ truths is a significant issue that needs addressing.
