Lessons in economics

Lessons in economics

Teachers are more often than not the unsung heroes responsible
for molding and guiding the morals and ethics that make up the
social fabric of a community.

I was dumbfounded to read Mr. Azwar Siri's comment in the Oct.
9 edition relating to teachers in West Sumatra: "The pay is
unquestionably low, but remember that being a teacher is not only
about making money, it is also a social service."

Is Mr. Siri implying that teachers should provide their
service to society for low pay simply out of the goodness of
their hearts? A good heart needs food too! Many of my teacher
friends in Sumatra work second jobs as cleaners, waitresses or
tutors so that they can maintain a reasonable standard of living.

High schools in West Sumatra are now opting to increase
teachers working hours to cope with a shortage of teachers,
however quality teaching requires time outside working hours for
lesson planning, preparation of materials, evaluation and
assessment. Increasing demands on teachers paid at such sub-
standard levels will without doubt have a negative effect on the
quality of teaching.

As is often said in "Your Letters": The children of today are
the future of the nation.

Surely education must be the highest of government priorities
worthy of whatever financial support it takes to ensure a
literate and educated society.

Perhaps the "shortage of teachers" is due to qualified
teachers seeking their livelihood in other professions. As a
friend who has recently moved to Jakarta told me "It's too
expensive to even become a teacher, let alone survive as one!"

ANDI BENSON

Jakarta