WITH the recent article in The Herald about disgruntled parents from Parsons Hill Primary ("Bitter row after parents banned from school", May 28), I would like to bring certain facts to the public's attention. This is so that the public is aware of the pressure placed on teachers at many schools.
A good friend of mine teaches at a former Model C school, very similar to Parsons Hill Primary. She has extensive experience and is highly regarded in education circles as being one of the most dedicated and compassionate teachers.
Her ex-pupils (who are mainly previously disadvantaged children) say she is the best. She left teaching only to return after a few years as she missed the children so much.
She is employed by the SGB (school governing body) and is paid approximately half of what she would be earning if she was paid by the Education Department. At no time does she slacken off in her duties, she gives extra lessons at no extra cost, participates in sport after school, is at school by 7.30 each morning and is always looking for interesting media articles related to the lessons being taught.
Does the public know this teacher is being paid a salary which is equivalent to some municipal councillors' car allowances? She still has to pay for her accommodation, car, transport costs, etc out of her meagre salary.
It is time that the parents realise the strain under which our teachers are working and the financial challenge adds to their woes. It is also time that the SGBs stop exploiting the teachers in this manner and pay them a decent salary.
Teaching posts are scarce so some schools' SGBs are really exploiting these teachers as they know the education department is long-winded in appointing teachers. Mind you, this delaying tactic saves the department money!
This I find absolutely shocking as our teachers are moulding the future leaders of South Africa! Yes, cry our beloved country.
Teacher's friend, Port Elizabeth