AGONIES of TEACHERS in the SOCIETY

Teaching is regarded as a noble profession that plays notable role in the production of manpower like Engineers, Medical Doctors, Accountants, Lawyers. Pharmacists, Surveyors, Chemists, Physicists, Biologists, Nurses, Midwifes and others, which a nation need for her development in all ramifications. Those that teach or impact knowledge to others are regarded as 'teachers'. Being endowed with knowledge, they serve as knowledge givers, information disseminators, facilitators and architects of a child's future.

Many differences exist between teaching and other professions. One notable difference is the fact that teaching is less recognized in the society. Members of the occupation are treated as 'second class citizens' in the society. Students and pupils in educational institutions consider teaching as the last option when it comes to the choice of career. Most pupils and students prefer to choose careers like Medicine, Engineering, Accounting and others that are lucrative and command much respect from members of the public.

Many parents and guardians are not willing to encourage their children to take to teaching because of its low status. There are reports of parents disallowing their children from marrying teacher because of the poor status. Government has not been helping the situation. In many countries of the world, many obnoxious policies are enacted and implemented on teachers. During election in some countries, teachers are drafted as 'election officials' while some are engaged during population census.

To worsen situation, salary and allowances of teachers in many countries mis-termed 'take home pay' cannot take them to the front of their house talk less of sustaining their families. This is why teachers are often seen in tattered clothes and shoes in some countries today. The irregular payment of the meager emoluments in many countries leaves much to be desired. While salaries and allowances of members of other professions are paid as at when due, the case of teaching is different. Teacher's salaries are owned in arrears.

Promotion of teachers is another issue of concern. In many countries of the world, teachers suffer delayed and irregular promotion when in service. Those that retire from active service find it difficult to collect their gratuities and monthly pensions. Many retires die of starvation due to lack of money for their sustenance.

Pupils and students often molest teachers when they fail to pass examination and when stiff penalties or punishments are meted to indiscipline ones among them. Most teachers have special names with pupils and students, which are different from their biological names. In some cases, teachers are molested, beaten up by pupils / students during students' unrest.

Parents and guardians are not spared from the agonies of teachers. Many of them expect miracle (s) from teachers when it comes to academic performance and discipline of their children. When negative results surfaced, teachers are condemned for this while in some cases, parents beat up teachers and drag them to court especially the wealthy ones among them. Society also expects miracle (s) from teachers. Any misdemeanor noticed in the society is blamed on the teacher who supposed to have corrected this from foundation. With these, there is no doubt that teachers are really facing agonies.