Unforgettable Scenarios of Misconduct by Teachers in Classrooms
" "Education is a fundamental aspect of personal and societal growth. However, instances of misconduct by teachers can leave lasting impressions on students, often bringing a scarring experience that lingers for a lifetime. In this piece, we will explore two memorable instances of teacher misconduct, one from a second-grade classroom in the United States and another from a Thai public school in Bangkok, highlighting the impact of these events on the students involved.
" "The Strict Teacher from Second Grade
" "During my early years of schooling, I experienced a particularly strict teacher in second grade in the United States. This teacher was notorious for her stern demeanor and caused fear among most of her students, including myself. One memorable incident involved Mia, a classmate who had not completed her work from lesson two. The teacher instructed students to come one by one to check their notebooks. Mia was the first to present her notebook, after which it was my turn. A student accidentally pushed us, causing our notebooks to fall. Mistakenly, I picked up Mia’s notebook, and she took mine. When the teacher asked for the notebook, I handed it without looking at her, as I was terrified. She meticulously flipped through the pages and accused me of not completing my work. I was shocked because I had finished all my tasks. The teacher, standing abruptly from her chair, slapped me hard, pushed me onto the bench, and twisted my hand before slapping me again and yelling, 'Complete your work or I will complain to the principal!' She threw the notebook back at me, and I recognized it as Mia’s. She had accused the wrong student.
" "The misidentification caused immense distress for both Mia and me. As the classmate fell into tears, I was so upset that I muttered inappropriate words. Although I appreciated the chance to discuss her mistake with the teacher, she refused to listen. I went home and recounted the entire incident to my mother, who immediately confronted the school administration. The following day, a new teacher was assigned to our class.
" "This event is a prime example of how a teacher’s misjudgment and aggressive behavior can profoundly affect a young mind. As a seven-year-old, I was left with the haunting memory of being physically assaulted in the classroom.
" "Misconduct in a Thai Public School
" "My experience as a teacher in a typical Thai public school in Bangkok also encountered instances of misconduct. Thai schools are often seen as a 'cruel and corrupt joke,' where genuine learning rarely occurs. Given the size of the classrooms, with 45-50 students, it's nearly impossible for a teacher to maintain control. I attempted to regain control by expelling multiple students, sometimes up to half of the class, to take charge. In one instance, during a high school class, I kicked a girl out for talking during my lecture. While this practice is common, I felt the need to make an example of her to instill fear in the others. In Asian cultures, being alone is highly undesirable, so the expelled girl sat alone outside the classroom for 15 minutes.
" "From a cultural perspective, kicking a student out of class is considered barbaric in Thailand, but I disregarded this belief and carried out my actions regardless. Although the methods employed may be cultural misunderstandings, the outcome for both the expelled students and the overall classroom environment is deeply troubling.
" "Conclusion and Reflection
" "The scenarios I have described serve as a cautionary tale of the potential for teachers to make severe blunders that can scar students’ lives. Both situations remind us of the critical importance of responsible and empathetic teaching practices. Interactions between teachers and students should foster a safe and nurturing environment. The impact of a teacher's actions, whether intentional or unintentional, on a child's psyche and academic future cannot be understated. Educators have a profound responsibility to ensure that their methods of classroom management and discipline are both effective and humane.
" "By sharing these stories, we hope to raise awareness about the consequences of teacher misconduct and encourage educators to reflect on their methods. Let us strive to create educational environments where every student feels valued, respected, and supported in their learning journey.