The fundamental role of a teacher has always been to educate. However, today’s educators find themselves responsible not just for teaching the curriculum but also for teaching social norms and behaviours usually taught at home. These include teaching manners, self-respect and respect for others, punctuality, task completion and emotional regulation. All things crucial to a child’s development that are traditionally demonstrated by parents.
This shift is a direct consequence of a growing trend- many children are not receiving basic lessons in social behaviour and personal responsibility at home. Consequently, teachers are increasingly expected to fill these gaps, a situation that is stretching their capabilities and affecting their ability to teach effectively.
How Socioeconomic and Family Issues Affect Students and Teachers
The challenges faced by students today are more complex than ever before. Socioeconomic factors, family dysfunction, and mental health issues are all on the rise. Many students come to school hungry, unwashed, and emotionally unprepared to learn. They may lack basic coping mechanisms for dealing with stress, leading to disruptive behaviour in the classroom.
Teachers are often the first line of defence in identifying and addressing these issues, which can take a significant toll on their time and energy. They are expected to be counsellors, confidants, and disciplinarians, navigating a complex web of emotional issues their students bring to the classroom. This can range from mediating friendship conflicts to intervening in instances of abuse or neglect.
When parents are unable or unwilling to perform their responsibilities, society pushes these responsibilities to teachers who often are barely qualified to teach these subjects. This is due in part to increasing shortages of qualified people who will put up with poor treatment by a large portion of parents and even students.
The Challenges of Teaching Students Without Basic Life Skills
This shift in focus from academics to social-emotional learning understandably has consequences. The time spent addressing behavioural problems or providing emotional support is the time taken away from the subject being taught. This can lead to a compressed curriculum, with less time for critical thinking, exploration, and learning of core concepts. A classroom environment constantly disrupted by behavioural issues creates a stressful learning environment for everyone. Teachers may struggle to maintain a sense of order and implement effective teaching strategies when faced with students lacking basic life skills.
Teachers are the backbone of our education system. When they are burdened with responsibilities beyond their core job description, the entire system suffers. It is important to recognise the challenges they face and provide them with the necessary support to be effective educators.
Consequences of Blurring the Line Between Teacher and Parent
The blurring of lines between teacher and parent is a complicated issue with no easy answers. Teachers should be empowered to do what they are trained to do—teach. This is not just about improving test scores but about equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and emotional intelligence they need to become well-rounded, successful individuals.
Expecting educators to make up for poor parenting is causing the severe divide we see between parents and teachers. When parents and teachers are at odds, it becomes difficult to create a unified and supportive learning environment. It’s important to remember that teachers and parents are on the same team, both wanting what’s best for the child. With a
shared understanding of roles and responsibilities, we can bridge the divide and create a more positive and productive learning environment for everyone.
