A recently released video of a security guard attempting to remove a long-time educator from a classroom has sparked a public outcry and within the teaching community. The incident has reopened the issue of teachers' position in society and the increasing challenges they face.
The way the situation was handled was inappropriate and should not happen in educational institutions, educators believe. Even if there were legal reasons, such problems should be resolved through dialogue and agreement, not by violating the dignity of teachers in front of students.
When asked about this incident, CSBH language teacher Anita Stojanović told TV Vijesti's "Colors of the Morning" that what we saw was not an isolated case.
"The situation was very unpleasant, and the way it was handled was not appropriate, especially since it took place in the workplace and in front of children. Although there may be legal reasons for the action, such matters should be handled in a different way, without the presence of security guards and conflicts in the classroom. The duty of security guards should be to protect against external influences, not to participate in conflicts within the school. We are witnessing daily challenges in schools - from parental pressure to the loss of teachers' authority in the classroom. The reputation of our profession is increasingly weakening," Stojanović pointed out.
Educators have noticed that the educational process and students' attitudes towards knowledge have changed significantly in the last fifteen years. Children today are less focused on the material, and social media and short digital content are affecting their attention.
Another challenge teachers face is the constant need to justify grades. Parents are increasingly questioning teachers' assessments, which further complicates the work of educators, says Stojanović.
Key steps to improve the position of teachers include greater support from institutions, parents and society at large. It is necessary to strengthen trust in educators and their expertise, along with strengthening media literacy to prevent conclusions from being drawn based on incomplete information.
The education system can only function if there is cooperation between teachers, parents and institutions. Restoring the reputation of teachers is crucial for improving the quality of education and the future of young generations, concludes teacher Anita Stojanović.
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