I want to applaud all the frontline workers in controlling the spread of the Covid-19, the doctors, nurses, firemen, policemen and the Government of Dominica. However, it would be remiss of me if I did not take this opportunity to praise our teachers for their role in this difficult time.
- From conversations with teachers, some of them especially those not yet appointed, were faced with bully-like tactics from their principals to report to school at least twice a week even if they were doing their work online. This meant they had to travel by public transportation faced with increased bus fares to get to their schools where, in some cases, the internet service was not working satisfactorily. Of course, some with underlying conditions such as being diabetics, hypertensive cases, cancer survivors, were compromising themselves. In addition, there are those who may fall within that category that live with and take care of elderly parents. Do we want to take that risk of compromising the health of these people by risking exposure?
- According to the education Act II of 1997, #132 (c) “Every teacher has the right to be provided with sufficient and appropriate equipment to carry out assigned professional duties.” How many teachers were provided with equipment or devices to do online teaching? They used their personal stuff. Teachers with one computer in their homes had to share with their children who were also required to do assignments on line. Others are using their cell phones and spend a significant amount of money purchasing data plans, something I should also add is a headache for some parents.
- Teachers, at short notice and limited training, had to learn a new modality for delivery of lessons, try to find students to give them information and worksheets, a task which can be daunting since some teachers do not live in the community where they teach.
- It is my hope that the employer will learn from this situation and will give some incentive to teachers to have the necessary equipment and devices to facilitate continued learning should the need arise again. One must understand that the purchasing price of a good laptop in Dominica exceeds the monthly salary of some teachers.
- In closing, I say Hats off to you, the backbone of any society, the people who create the greats wealth of any country. While the country has no active Covid-19 patients, the battle is not over so continue to be safe while doing your essential service to your nation. while the recognition of your work sometimes go unnoticed be comforted that without you there would be no other profession for teaching is the one profession that makes all other professions possible and further take courage and follow in the footsteps of the greatest teacher who walked the face of this earth, Jesus, in spite of all that he did, he was rejected but his reward was great.
But I will still say that all of those frontline workers, whatever their post against this deadly virus, are guided by the Divine Authority, the Lord Most High, for without Him we can do nothing; or what we attempt to do will not prosper.
Wherever and however we are posted, to deal with that enemy, it is by His Will and through His appointed servants for the sake of Life for the rest of us. And it is what He preplanned that will come forth both good and bad–O dear!
Everyone will receive their share of blessings, because of their strive to obey and humble themselves, knowing who is their true Employer and that He has found favor with them.
Otherwise, the honor, the merit, the praise, and the glory belong to Him, it is not man’s own to claim.
Mr. Alexander I applaud you for recognising the hard work of teachers. I saw where you quoted the teacher’s right. Teachers are being bullied by both principals and education officers who are showing their supervision strength virtually but don’t do so in the physcial setting. Teachers have to submit work using google classroom, whatsapp and learning packs. Inspite of all of their efforts some parents are not even trying.
Teachers have had to use their own resources and electricity to teach your children. School have ensured that parents continuecd to pay the same school fees for the past months. Schools have been closed, meanwhile the teacher gets NO raise in salary to allow her to pay her electricity bill to teach the students. and the parents get no discount and are charged as if their children are actually at school. the school is locked up, no water, no lights being used, no security guards to pay for. Its all profit for some schools.
My brother now not time for that na. Them teachers well bien merci sit down at their home uploading work. You should advocate for the nurses they are the ones working diligently. What happen to all you Dominicans na. Is always those overseas that have the biggest mouth.
Kermit because you see the man profile picture with houses in the background, you saying the man overseas. That is what I do not like because most time u people just say anything without proof whatsoever. Get wise before you say something that may not be true, investigate. He is the President of DAT. He making his point for his teachers. So someone cannot use any picture they want to put on their profile. Stop that saying what uwant without being sure . Take care Kerms!
I’ve never heard more RUBBISH than this. You chose the right name for yourself; Kermit. If you don’t know what teachers are dealing with just remain quiet!!