KUCHING: Teachers are facing greater challenges owing to the fast pace of development and distinctly different behaviour of the current generation of students compared to those in the past.
Despite that, they remain resilient, persevering and dedicated to their duties as educators, said Sarawak Teachers’ Union (STU) President Kullin Djayang.
At one point in the past, he said the pressure stemmed from the level of living and knowledge sophistication, but now the challenges as a teacher come from various angles.
“Teachers now face multiple pressures, not just from the demands of teaching but also from the criticism and expectations of parents and the wider community.
“Additionally, policies from the Ministry of Education have also been changing with every change of government, posing further challenges,” he said to New Sarawak Tribune.
He also acknowledged the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on teachers and education workers, who were forced to adapt quickly to virtual learning platforms.
Despite these difficulties, Kullin praised the resilience and dedication of teachers who continued to provide quality education to their students.
“We had to grapple with technology, which was a relatively new thing for veteran teachers. However, with our determination and high commitment as teachers, we succeeded. We are all true teachers, born as educators,” he added.
As educators, he stressed the importance of continuous professional development, including keeping up with the latest technologies.
He emphasised that teachers should have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide a world-class education to their students.
Meanwhile, as a union, Kullin said STU aims to support all teachers and education workers in Sarawak and advocate for their rights and welfare.
As such, he encouraged all members to maintain a professional demeanour and adhere to proper procedures while carrying out their duties.
“We know that teachers are subject to criticism and reports from various parties, but if they (STU members) have followed proper procedures and carried out their duties with humility, the leadership will support them and not allow any oppression,” he stressed.
He assured that the union will continue to work closely with the government to address any concerns or issues faced by teachers and education workers.
