On teachers

Most of those who have responded to the article on teachers in the Open Page (April 24) seem to belong to the older generation. They fondly remember their teachers and how they helped them in their school or college days. Surprisingly, not many youngsters have written in favour of their teachers.

The reasons are understandable. When something becomes merchandise, it loses its sanctity. Today, teaching is the last preference for many. The strength of students in every class is 60-80, and it is almost impossible for even the best teachers to pay attention to all. Most children attending quality schools are pampered and it is difficult to interact with them. Last but not the least, teaching is certainly a very difficult job.

Gopalaraman Swaminathan,

Chennai

Parent-teacher associations and school managements bring tremendous pressure on teachers. Most teachers are ordered to take extra classes to ensure results. This and the routine school work tell upon the health of teachers, which makes them intolerant of indiscipline. They punish the students indulging in indiscipline. Their act is distorted and they are accused of being rude.

P.A. Ranganathan,

Chennai

I am an octogenarian. Teachers in my days took their job seriously. I recall my maths teacher who made it a point to solve maximum number of problems in Pierpoint's geometry textbook within the allotted time of one hour. Today's parents want teachers to act as ‘friends,' whereas teachers of those days often behaved like benevolent despots. But their dedication and commitment were beyond reproach.

Parents have outsourced their responsibility of ethical mentoring. But teachers who try to instil good values in the minds of children are not popular with parents who insist that teachers should concentrate only on academic outcomes.

T.K.S. Thathachari,

Secunderabad