Module 2: Teachers’ 3 Rs: Role, Rights and Responsibilities

Teachers need to make students understand that teachers are also human beings, we have human rights, we get hurt, get tired, get stressed and we also feel what students’ feel in general. Parents and students also need to understand that teachers may have families, too. So sometimes we come to school tired and sleepy but we are doing our best to overcome it.

Teachers’ Roles
Teachers do a lot of things for the school, for the classroom, students and parents. These roles include not only serving as a role model for good behavior and right conduct to students but also the process of learning about students and their interests, abilities and learning styles, organizing classroom facilities and resources,” instructional planning and organization, communication with students’ families out their children’s needs and progress.

Teachers’ Rights
In general, teachers have the right to be respected. Teachers also have the right to security and tenure, the right to be treated for workplace injuries and leaves like maternity leaves and emergency leaves. Some teachers also enjoy their sabbatical leaves and many other leaves with pay. We also have the right to be heard before we are dismissed or relieved from work.

Teachers’ Responsibilities
Although people’s professions and situations affect their roles, rights and responsibilities, in general, teachers like other professionals have also responsibilities. Teachers are responsible to:
-Teach individuals and classes
-Use the curriculum developed or selected for the program
-Use teaching methods appropriate for the learners and the subject(s) being taught
-Evaluate learners at regular intervals
-Keep accurate records of learners' attendance and progress
-Report regularly to supervisor
-Fulfill other tasks assigned by the support committee or the supervising agency and to follow their contract of employment.
Each profession is bounded by a set of rules and regulations pertaining to roles, rights and responsibilities of its practitioners. Just as children understand their parents well when they have their own families, students understand their teachers better when they become teachers or professionals themselves. I can understand my teachers’ role, rights, responsibilities, work, hardships and sacrifices now that I am a teacher myself.
Reference:
http://www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/docs/social/psych20/Teachers_Roles.htm
http://www.qpat-apeq.qc.ca/corporatif/english/activities/teachersrightsandbenefits.html