A teacher who played mind games with his students ... he was on a power trip

Mr C was an egocentric man who perceived himself to be the best teacher, untouchable and above the supervision of the principal. What he did not know was that this principal, Mr K was not one to let any teacher treat kids badly.

Mr K did not want Mr C transferred into his school, he knew about him and also knew of the long term negative effects he had on students. He did not want a teacher who was railroaded out of small country school by the community.

Why was he still teaching you may say? The answer is that this man was not a bad teacher, and would never be put on a diminished working performance. Mr C's fault was that he played with kid's minds, giving them a hard time. We could say that he lacked common sense and emotional intelligence. He certainly did not have a caring attitude toward children.

One of Mr K's policies is that every teacher is answerable for his actions. So, when parents knocked on his door to let him know that Mr C did not let their children have a drink after playing basketball for afternoon sport, or telling a boy that he had do double the homework one night, or had the class cut his hair as a bonding activity Mr K met him head on. He called a meeting with each set of parents, Mr K and Mr C to explain his actions. Mr K never defended him. All cases were recorded. He was a regular presence in Mr C's classroom.

The story had a happy ending. It took a couple of years for Mr C to claim mental unwellness. He went on sick leave and resigned from the department. He was not retuning to the school if Mr K was the principal.

It is unfortunate that unsuitable candidates for teaching training still seem to get through.

I am glad to say there are good principals out there. But on the other hand there is the odd principal who might hold back, ignore inappropriate behaviours, defend teachers, leaving this kind of teacher to his own devices or just transfer them as soon as possible.

This is why parents must always be watchful playing the advocate and looking after the welfare of their children. They need mums and dads to listen, care and act.



Cheers and blessings