TRADITIONALLY, teachers command great respect among the populace, an esteem rooted in appreciation for the role they play in shaping young minds as well as the dignified manner in which they conduct their lives.

As is the case with all other professions, there are a few teachers who, because of their behaviour and modest talent, are not held in such high regard. However, we have no doubt that the majority of our teachers are good at what they do, and, in many instances, are going beyond the call of duty to ensure that those in their care are well educated.

In our frequent reflection on the value of teachers, we always recall the Jamaican slogan “If you can read this, thank a teacher” and, of course, the immortal words of the respected Greek philosopher Aristotle: “Those who educate children well are more to be honoured than they who produce them; for these only gave them life, those the art of living well.”

That eloquent analysis came to mind over the weekend as we observed the heightening of tension between the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) and the education minister, Rev Ronald Thwaites.

Teachers, naturally, are angered by the minister’s announcement of an intention to cut paid study leave and other entitlements, as well as to extend the probationary period for teachers, remove increments, and take steps to make educators transferable.

Their anger is even more understandable, given that these benefits form part of an agreement signed with the Government this year.

And when that is placed against the background of the Government asking public sector workers to accept another wage freeze in order that the country can meet targets set by the International Monetary Fund, we are even more sympathetic to the teachers.

However, the fact that the minister is now saying that these benefits must be reformed because the country simply cannot afford them, does not justify the foul and uncivil attacks being levelled at him.

The fact that this uncouth rhetoric is coming from two former presidents of the JTA — Messrs Doran Dixon and Paul Adams — makes it even worse, for we would have thought that both men knew better.

We wonder whether Mr Dixon would tolerate any of his students at the Mico University College expressing their anger at him using the same derogatory “mongrel dog” analogy he used in his so-called address to teachers on the weekend?

The JTA, as Mr Dixon pointed out, is a powerful and important organisation. As such, we expect that anyone who had the privilege of leading it should conduct themselves with a level of decorum befitting that office.

Having sat in the chair, Messrs Dixon and Adams should know that while negotiations can be intense, they must also be conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect and common decency.

Last week in this space we encouraged both sides in this issue to calm down and start talking now to each other. We reiterate that position today. For, as we said last week, our children will be the greatest casualties of any deterioration of this dispute.