Sir, – Paul Gethings (Letters, October 3rd) points out that “most working people invest in their careers ... and contribute over and above what they are contracted to do”. He further suggests the teachers’ work-to-rule is “a very selfish action for teachers to take”.
My selfishness, it seems, extends far beyond the classroom and the school day.
I correct hundreds of exams every year on weeknights and weekends (my wife calls it selfish). I attend evening debates all over the country (my children call it selfish). I coach school teams and bring them all over the county – and, if we are good enough, my selfishness may extend to all over the province and country.
I go on school tours where my selfishness goes international. While there, it can extend to walking the corridors of a European hotel at 4am, ensuring students are safe.
RM Block
I mentor students during my “free” classes. I write references for students during those same “free” classes. I attend open nights, award nights, graduation nights and the three nights of the school musical, where I selfishly ask parents for tickets.
I do all of these things, and more, willingly. I will continue to do most of them during the work-to-rule – and all of them when it inevitably ends.
So, if the label of “selfish” is to be bandied about, perhaps it should also be directed at successive governments who, since 2010, have seen fit to impose 33 unpaid Croke Park hours on teachers (and other public servants), while failing to properly recognise or take into account the considerable amount of additional work teachers already undertake.
Teachers are not suddenly becoming selfish. We are simply, for a period, choosing to do the job we are contracted and paid to do. – Yours, etc,
STEPHEN JOHNSON,
Castlebridge,
Co Wexford.
