Teachers need a raise

It is ironic that all the praise heaped on teachers as we commemorate teachers day on Nov. 25 does little to raise the status of that profession in the eyes of the public.

Interviews with experts unveil the darker side of the teachers' life situation. Psychiatrist Dr. Arrohman Prayitno says the remuneration of teachers should be increased. Their profession exposes teachers to high risk of stress and psychological disturbances.

Due to their generally meager salaries teachers often fall prey to loan sharks. Or they have to teach at several schools to make ends meet. Not to mention their deteriorating social status. In the past, teachers were held in high esteem. Now it is no longer so. All of this, coupled with the public's demand for good quality education slap a heavy mental burden on teachers.

Portrayed idealistically, the profession demands unswerving discipline and responsibility. Teachers have to be able to improve the quality of education. They are required to come to school on time as the learning process can not be postponed. They have to implant good educative values and demonstrate a good life attitude that will serve as a model for their students.

On the other hand it is clear that the task of educating youngsters is not merely the responsibility of teachers.

Rather than seeking scapegoats, it is high time that the government increased the wages of teachers so that enhancing their quality can be assured.

--Suara Pembaruan, Jakarta