On October 14, several screenshots from a WeChat group chat circulated online, revealing that a seventh-grade homeroom teacher at Southwest University Affiliated Middle School, identified as Xu, had a breakdown and made extreme remarks. That evening, the school’s official website announced that the teacher had been suspended from educational duties, with further actions to be determined based on the results of an investigation.
In the context of teaching, it’s essential that educators prioritize ethics and adhere strictly to professional conduct. The “Regulations on Homeroom Teacher Work in Primary and Secondary Schools” stipulate that when selecting homeroom teachers, the emphasis should be placed on their ability to love students and communicate effectively with them, their parents, and fellow teachers. Moreover, maintaining proper attire, using respectful language, and demonstrating civilized behavior are crucial expectations outlined in the “Code of Professional Ethics for Teachers.” In this regard, the homeroom teacher’s outburst in the parent group chat, which led to their suspension, seems justifiable.
However, it’s often said that “an adult’s breakdown can happen in an instant,” and teachers, as adults, are no exception. Therefore, it’s my belief that addressing this incident should go beyond simply holding the teacher accountable. Educational authorities and schools must take comprehensive measures to enhance emotional management training for teachers. This support could help educators develop better self-regulation, learn to embrace students’ mistakes, and communicate with parents on an equal footing.
Additionally, this incident raises broader concerns. A recent survey conducted by Southern Metropolis Daily revealed that a staggering 39.13% of teachers are very unwilling to serve as homeroom teachers, while 18.84% express reluctance, with only 4.35% eager to take on the role. This indicates a significant discomfort with the responsibilities of homeroom teachers. To address these issues, it is critical to recognize the heavy workload and psychological pressure faced by homeroom teachers. Implementing measures such as controlling teaching hours, appointing assistant homeroom teachers, clarifying responsibilities, and providing training in parental education could alleviate their burdens. Ultimately, ensuring that homeroom teachers have ample time and energy to focus on their roles is a fundamental solution to this problem.
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