Rights
This is one area where mistakes are not permissible. Rights are rights. They are not privileges, nor are they something that should be requested or demanded. Rights must be given without question. That’s why they are called rights. In the context of our profession, there are certain inalienable rights, as follows:
Students have a right to learn. Teachers have a right to teach. Parents have a right to know.
If at any time, any of these three groups feels their rights are being infringed, they should immediately discuss this with the Principal or School Director.
Responsibilities
Everyone has varying levels of responsibility. We all have a job to do.
- Students have a responsibility to learn. If they do not fulfill this responsibility, they are giving up their rights.
- Teachers have a responsibility to teach. Those who do not fulfill this responsibility need to ask themselves what they are doing and why they are here. If this responsibility is too much to bear, it may be time to find a more suitable career.
- Parents have a responsibility to know what their children are doing and to support the teachers.
Respect
In the U.S., there is a saying, “Give respect to get respect.” I disagree. In a school environment, everyone must show respect at all times, regardless of the situation they face. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect—no exceptions, ever. It is as simple as talking with each other in a calm voice and being polite. Manners are a demonstration of respect and are mandatory at all times. Without the demonstration of mutual respect, an entire organization can quickly fall into a chaotic realm of backbiting and low morale.
We don’t always like everyone. We don’t always like everything about someone. However, that is never an excuse to not show everyone respect at all times. Disrespect should never be allowed, and if it ever occurs, immediate intervention is the only solution. If someone is disrespectful to you, the best thing you can do is remain calm and be respectful. Let management sort out the disrespect. Never exacerbate a situation by losing your composure or lowering your standards.