IPOH: School administrators should foster a conducive and enjoyable working environment to help reduce stress among teachers, says Datuk Khairudin Abu Hanipah.
The state education, higher education, youth and sports committee chairman said that school administrators, namely principals, headmasters and senior assistants, should play a important role in creating a positive working environment.
“Every job comes with pressure. What is important is how we manage and deal with that pressure.
“There must be mutual understanding and give and take. We cannot always expect teachers to give without giving them consideration in return,” he said after launching the Todak Academy (Perak) Digital Education Hub here yesterday.
Khairudin said school administrators should also exercise compassion and discretion when teachers face emergencies, while complying with existing regulations and procedures.
Meanwhile, he said teachers should focus on their main target or key performance index (KPI), ensuring students receive complete and balanced education.
He also said that teachers experiencing stress could be referred to the district Education Office for assistance from counsellors, while serious cases could be monitored by counsellors from the state Education Department.
On students facing stress, Khairudin said the issue should not be attributed entirely to teachers or schools, as family circumstances, lack of parental attention, peer influence and social media could also play a role.
Separately, Khairudin said the school administration and the teacher involved in allegations of bullying and psychological pressure at a school in Chemor should work towards resolving the matter mutually.
He said that investigation found the allegations unsubstantiated and the complaint has since been closed.
“The school administration is bound by certain circulars and procedures, while the teacher also needs to understand that processes must be followed.
“I neither blame the teacher nor defend the administrators. Both parties need to meet face-to-face, hold discussions, practise give and take and accept the decisions made which are based on the circulars issued by the Education Ministry,” he said.
He also urged both parties to reflect on the situation and identify areas for improvement and reconciliation, and urged the matter not to be further publicised.
On claims that the teacher had suffered seizures, Khairudin said such matters should be determined by medical professionals.
“That should be confirmed by doctors. I am not in a position to comment because it is outside my field.
“I understand that the teacher has sought medical attention, so we should wait for the medical report rather than making assumptions,” he said.
It was earlier reported that a teacher at a school in Chemor had allegedly experienced bullying and psychological pressure.
The teacher has been making allegations on social media about being bullied, intimidated and facing emotional pressure at the school between March and May.
