Dear Editor,

I am totally disappointed with the manner in which a few Jamaica Teachers’ Association past presidents have been dealing with the issues. If they are in disagreement with the minister of education the best way to deal with it is through dialogue. The minister has stated that he is willing and available.

These persons are the educators who are responsible for educating our children, the future leaders of our country and the world at large, so how can they be so rude and disrespectful to the minister, who is the authority of the education system and a human being? This is why we cannot get rid of the maladaptive behaviour of our children, as the persons who are training them for the future are letting the system down.

Yes, they might be in disagreement, but there is always a better way out. This tracing match is outrageous and should not be tolerated. A teacher/principal cannot and should not be so rude and offensive. How do you expect to correct a student who is misbehaving when you, as the educator/senior, are not setting the example? Shame on you!

The Bible states (1 Peter 2: 17-18) that we are to respect those who are in authority. Respect is due in spite of our differences. Believe me, if I had a mongrel dog I would not want my dog to be taught by any person who is disrespectful to anyone. Because instead of the dog being trained to be a friend and a protector, the dog would be trained to be aggressive and unfriendly to his master.

I hope they will learn from the minister, he is a gentleman and a person with dignity. He has done well by not dignifying the crass persons with an equal answer. I hope they are ashamed of themselves and realise that they are an embarrassment to themselves and the profession that for years has been seen as noble.

Keep up the good work, Minister, and continue to show how persons in authority should conduct themselves.

Donna Forrester

Kingston 20