Teachers or Influencers? The Misguided Priorities in Today's Education

In recent news, a Black male teacher was terminated after sharing a TikTok video where female students were braiding his hair. This incident has sparked significant controversy, shedding light on a critical issue within our education system.

The real question isn't about the specifics of the TikTok video but rather the broader implications of teachers' roles and responsibilities. The incident is symptomatic of a troubling trend in modern teaching, and teachers must refocus.

It's disheartening to acknowledge that many children fail academically not solely because of external factors but because some teachers are ill-equipped for the task.

The profession, which demands a high level of competence, empathy, and dedication, has seen a decline in standards. Many teachers struggle to pass basic reading and math tests, yet families entrust them with shaping their children's minds.

The relationship between teachers and students has shifted alarmingly. Instead of fostering a nurturing and respectful environment, some teachers exhibit demeaning and disrespectful behavior towards students and their families. The days of meticulously planning lessons and investing time into creating a stimulating learning environment seem to be fading.

With the advancement of technology, much of the administrative and teaching workload has been alleviated, yet the quality of education hasn't improved proportionally. Budgets have grown exponentially, classroom sizes have decreased, yet there have been no improvements in math and reading proficiency.

When was the last time a teacher contacted you to share positive news? Communication between teachers and parents often centers on problems rather than achievements. This negative focus does little to build a supportive and collaborative relationship essential for a child's success. If parents were to check the school portals, would they find consistent and updated grades reflecting ongoing assessments and feedback?

The desire to connect with students personally is commendable, but educators must balance candid moments with professionalism and a clear focus on education. (There are tools that can help.)

Teachers should prioritize building relationships with parents to foster a collaborative approach to the child's education. They should engage with senior staff to learn effective teaching strategies and continuously seek knowledge in their field. Instead of posting online, they should immerse themselves in educational materials and refine their pedagogical skills.

Taxpayers pay educators to teach and inspire the next generation, not gain social media followers. If the compensation or the challenges of teaching are not suitable, it's time for those individuals to reconsider their career choices.

There is always room for growth for those genuinely interested in improving their teaching methods and achieving better outcomes for their students. It requires a willingness to learn, introspection, and prioritization of the student's educational needs.

The incident of the teacher sharing a TikTok video should be a call to action for teachers to refocus on their primary mission: educating and inspiring students.

Teachers can make a difference by building meaningful relationships with parents, senior staff, and educational resources. For those unwilling to adapt and grow, perhaps it's time to step aside and make way for those committed to the essential tasks of the noble profession of teaching.

Education should be an instrument of empowerment and intellectual advancement. Let’s remember that.