Teaching is often considered a job that begins when school starts and ends when the last bell rings. Inside the classroom, a teacher has a clear authority to teach, guide, correct, and discipline students or pupils within the set school rules. But life is not always that simple. Students exist beyond school walls, and most times teachers encounter them misbehaving outside school premises and after school hours. One important question is should the teacher step in, or should they walk away?
I remember when I was a teacher;honestly , my role never ended after school hours because no teacher would want to see their student misbehaving. I know some people believe that a teacher's role should end in the classroom, especially our current generation's mothers; they might have their strong reasons. Because outside school hours,a student is now under the care of his parents or guardians. One incident happened when I was teaching; I saw my student with some local boys trying to bully a boy, and his mother was sitting not far from where the children were having the argument.
I try to discipline my student because from all indications he was the problem, but it escalated because the mother became angry. Why will I endeavor to discipline her child? Please , I should end my discipline in school. What looks like good intentions from me quickly turns into me harassing and overstepping boundaries. The way the mother reacted, bystanders were now blaming me for putting my mouth in what doesn't concern me. In fact, she brought it to school, and I was given a query. I was told that outside the school can't protect me, and it will make me look vulnerable legally and socially.
From the parent's angle, it's better I limit my authority in the school environment. What some parents or people do not understand is that teaching is more than delivering lessons and grading papers. I was a role model, a mentor to some of my students. There is no way as a teacher you will see your student engaged in harmful behavior like stealing, fighting, or putting themselves in danger; it will feel wrong as a teacher to just ignore it and pass. A gentle word of correction or a little discipline to remind him or her of the consequences of their action can stop the behavior and even protect the child from worse outcomes. In a situation like that, the teacher is not just acting as an authority enforcing school rules but as a responsible adult showing concern.
Teacher authority shouldn't stop just at the school gate; a teacher should care but with caution. They should guide and not endanger life. Because some teachers can equally be something else, they can flog children with the frustration they came from their house with a teacher, you have wisdom, compassion, and tolerance both inside and outside the school premises. If you see a child misbehaving and you know the parents are the harsh type, report directly to them or to the school authority to be on the safe side.
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