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This incident is deeply troubling
A viral video circulating online, showing a woman (presumably a teacher) berating her students, has prompted the Department of Education (DepEd) to initiate an inquiry. The incident unfolded through a live stream on social media, although it remains unclear if the woman in question is a teacher or what triggered her outburst.
This incident is deeply troubling. The behavior displayed in the video goes beyond a momentary lapse in judgment and raises serious concerns about the individual's suitability for the role of an educator.
The verbal abuse directed towards the students in the video is completely unacceptable. Teachers have a responsibility to create a safe and nurturing environment for their students, where they can learn and grow without fear of harassment or mistreatment. The behavior exhibited by the teacher in the video undermines this fundamental principle and has a detrimental impact on the well-being of the students involved.
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The Impact on Students
The impact of the teacher's behavior on the students involved cannot be understated. Verbal abuse can have long-lasting effects on a person's self-esteem, confidence, and overall mental health. Students who are subjected to such treatment may experience anxiety, depression, and difficulties in their academic performance.
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Here's why this is concerning:
Emotional Harm: Students, especially younger ones, are incredibly vulnerable to the words of authority figures. The insults used in the video have the potential to cause lasting emotional damage and a diminishing of the student's self-worth.
Erosion of Trust: A classroom should be a safe learning environment. This incident shatters the essential trust between teacher and student, replacing it with fear or resentment. This will inevitably make true learning much more difficult.
The Power of Social Media: Using TikTok, a platform designed primarily for entertainment, during class is questionable in itself. Worse, using it to broadcast this kind of tirade amplifies the potential harm and raises ethical concerns about the misuse of social media by someone in a position of power.
It is crucial for educational institutions to prioritize the well-being of their students and take swift action to address incidents of abuse or mistreatment. This includes providing support and counseling services to the affected students and implementing measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
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Addressing the Issue
When incidents of this nature come to light, it is essential for educational authorities to conduct a thorough investigation. This investigation should aim to gather all the facts and evidence surrounding the incident, ensuring a fair and unbiased assessment of the situation.
If the teacher is found to have engaged in abusive behavior, appropriate disciplinary measures should be taken. This may include suspension, termination, or further training and counseling to address any underlying issues.
Additionally, it is crucial for educational institutions to review their hiring and screening processes to ensure that individuals with the necessary qualifications and temperament are selected for teaching positions. Ongoing professional development and support should also be provided to teachers to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to create a positive and inclusive learning environment.
Possible Mental Health Struggles
While it is crucial to address the teacher's behavior and hold her accountable for her actions, it is also important to consider the possibility that she may be experiencing significant mental health struggles. Mental health issues can affect anyone, including professionals in various fields, and can manifest in different ways.
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Teaching is an incredibly demanding profession, often characterized by heavy workloads, emotional strain, and insufficient support. These factors can contribute to burnout, anxiety, and even depression in teachers. The teacher's extreme outburst could be a sign of deeper distress. Lashing out in such a manner points to a possible breakdown in her ability to regulate her emotions and cope healthily with stress.
This is not to excuse the teacher's actions or diminish the severity of the situation. Verbal abuse towards students is never justified, regardless of the underlying factors. This incident highlights the vital need for robust mental health support systems within the education sector. Teachers must have easy access to confidential counseling and resources to address their own wellbeing. Understanding the potential mental health challenges the teacher may be facing opens up a broader conversation about the importance of mental well-being and support systems for educators.
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DepEd's investigation should not only determine the consequences of her actions but also seek to understand if there are any underlying mental health concerns that need to be addressed.
Originally posted at https://www.mdasein.com/beyond-the-outburst-addressing-the-pressures-on-educators
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I was able to see the video, for me, I didn't find anything much alarming from what the teacher said. I empathize with her as seemingly the class has really been rowdy. Although the words she used may hit a nerve and she might not have been diplomatic about it, I don't think she should be judged simply with that.