Teachers are important supporters of children. But what if a teacher harms a student? Families can defend themselves.
Schools must help educate students to become responsible members of society. The youth should be guided to independent judgment, social understanding and an active lifestyle and should be open to the political and ideological thinking of others. These are some of the key messages of the target paragraph for the Austrian schools.
What to do when teachers behave questionably?
Teachers play an important role in this system. They are special authority figures and key figures for children and young people. But what if teachers – fortunately there are only a few black sheep in Tyrol – behave questionably and unpedagogically, sometimes become rude, engage in psychological violence and bullying? Would you rather keep your mouth shut for fear that complaining could make the situation worse for the child?
“The Ministry of Education takes complaints very seriously”
“No, I encourage the parents in a case to stand up and file a complaint. We do not report on bullying, we also investigate anonymous complaints and investigate them carefully. And objectively from the perspective of both parties to the conflict,” says Tyrolean education director Paul Gappmaier, who also wants to dispel fear of “disadvantages”: “We will not tolerate something like that!”
How parents should deal with conflict
What could a complaints procedure actually look like? Don’t always start “at the top”. An open, respectful conversation between parents, child and affected teacher often solves the problem. More satisfied for both sides and therefore permanently positive. If this does not work, there are other ‘intervention bodies’ available at the school, such as the class chairman, teacher contact person, school psychologist, management and ultimately also the education management and the child and youth lawyer.
School authorities must investigate misconduct
The school board has the task to thoroughly investigate any possible misconduct in education and/or services. If this is the case, you can take several measures. These range from educational service interviews, explanatory coaching or pedagogical training to a reprimand and possible dismissal.
Successful complaint quality allows children and young people to experience how stressful situations in the school work context can be tackled positively with a respectful, open dialogue. In that sense you do not learn for school, but for life. So don’t keep your mouth shut, open up!
Please send your questions by email to the “Krone” school counselor Manfred Jordan: schulratgeber-tirol@kronenzeitung.at
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
