Current system is failing our teachers
I am the child of an educator. I have seen the many hours my mom and her fellow teachers have put in for nothing in return.
The current system is destined to fail; it’s failing teachers now. The school, the state Department of Education and administration have absolutely no safety net or compensation for teachers. And I would go so far to say that they don’t ever plan on changing.
At my alma mater a few years back, there was an incident involving a teacher and a student. The teacher was allegedly being cyberbullied by one of her students. The student apparently sent numerous emails threatening and bombarding the teacher.
This teacher was old, kind and in her last year of teaching when this incident happened. It had been going on for a few months, but I found out from some friends who heard it through the grape vine that is high school gossip.
The admin investigated and found that the rumor was true. However, instead of addressing the situation to the whole school, they kept it between them, the teacher and the student.
The bullying supposedly stopped after that, and the student got suspended. The teacher unfortunately passed away a few months later.
Teachers are mistreated and constantly neglected over and over again. Not only as a future teacher or a teacher’s daughter, but as a human being, I say enough is enough. I hope that things will change, but sometimes hope isn’t enough.
I know that the higher-ups, like the admin, want to keep situations like this a secret. How can it be a secret when teachers are going through this abuse every day?
I encourage people and aim to spread awareness to the people of this community. See something, say something. Because if we don’t, who will?
Maya Polloi
Hilo
Peninsula a great place for seniors?
Waiakea Peninsula should be converted to housing for the elderly so our seniors can enjoy walking, swimming, easy golf and eventually being rolled around the fine park and gardens of the area.
Most of the limited parking can serve the staff who offer care services, and the old restaurants can become their kitchens, etc.
Also, the folks who previously were in control of 121 Banyan Drive should be made responsible for the condition of the building and for all of the extensive utility bills they racked up before abandoning the property. They were slum lords with responsibilities we are all now being asked to pay for!
Parts of Uncle Billy’s are too far gone to be saved now, but the old Country Club Hawaii property can still be saved — it just takes public will and a little intelligence!
Carl F. Oguss
Hilo