The Editor, Sir:

It is in the interest of commanders-in-chief to guide and protect their troops. With increasing acts of violence in some high schools, one sometimes wonders if these commanders (teachers) can no longer effectively martial their troops (students) because of bureaucratic red tape from the Ministry of Education. or is it that students have fallen prey to the moral decadence that pervades some social institutions in society?

Battleground for warfare

Whatever the situation might be, society expects the teacher to lead from the front. Therefore, if schools are seen as battlegrounds for criminal warfare, persons tend to ask the question: what measures will schools implement to curb the problem? Justly or unjustly, teachers' judgement, utterances or actions are highly scrutinised because they are on the front line.

There is a school of thought that says, to whom much is given a lot is expected.

It is my humble view that whenever a student succumbs to violence it pierces the heart of any diligent teacher. Therefore, teachers should understand that the expectations that society have of them are the realities. It will take the strong will of all stakeholders of the education system to honestly discuss practical and realistic measures that will equip hard working men and women on the front line to carry out their duties effectively.

I am, etc.,

NICOLA SAMUELS

pskin83@yahoo.com

Frankfield P.O.

Clarendon

Via Go-Jamaica