The plastic ruler and the decision to force a dismissal: What is the limit for a teacher?

(Dan Tri) - Before the case of the teacher being forced to quit her job for hitting a student with a ruler, there were teachers who suffered unfortunate consequences due to their lack of skills in dealing with students.

Teachers "carrying the marks" of violence against students

The incident of a teacher who used a ruler to hit a student and was forced to resign in Gia Lai has caused many conflicting opinions. Although there is still much debate about the use of corporal punishment in educating children, that does not change the fact that her behavior was wrong in terms of both the law and industry regulations.

And the consequence she is facing is being forced to quit her job and having an uncertain career future because of her "stain" of student violence.

Female teacher in Gia Lai was forced to quit her job for hitting a student on the hand (Photo: Cut from clip).

Before the case of the teacher being forced to quit her job for using a ruler to hit a student, there were cases of teachers having to suffer unfortunate consequences for lacking pedagogical skills and using teaching methods that violated regulations.

Not long ago, at a private high school in Ho Chi Minh City, an incident occurred where a supervisor - a young teacher - called some male students down to the room and asked them to take off their clothes to check if they were bringing electronic cigarettes into school.

The teacher's actions stemmed from the fact that students had brought cigarettes to class many times, and he wanted to check and monitor them to avoid violations. The intention was good, but the teacher used a way of handling the situation that upset and affected the students.

This teacher had just graduated and was assigned to be a supervisor. He was passionate about his job but immature, hasty, and lacked skills in handling situations related to students. When he made a mistake, this teacher had to quit his job with a lot of pressure from students, parents, public opinion, and his future career.

“The school understands that the teacher wants to manage the students better, but that does not mean accepting this un-pedagogical behavior. We all have to take responsibility and bear the consequences for our behavior,” said the school administrator.

According to this manager, more than anyone else, teachers must control themselves, learn skills, access appropriate educational methods, and especially know their limits in behavior so as not to violate laws and regulations.

Most recently, a teacher at Victory Primary, Secondary and High School in Dak Lak was also forced to resign along with the school supervisor for beating students during lunchtime as a deterrent.

This action violates teachers' ethics, school regulations and industry and legal regulations.

Punishing students: What is the limit for teachers?

Education PhD Nguyen Thi Thu Huyen, a consultant on school curriculum design, said that the teacher who used a ruler to hit a student in Gia Lai violated the law and industry regulations and suffered the consequences of losing her job immediately and making it very difficult for her to continue her career.

Ms. Huyen said that just 2 weeks ago, the manager of a private school shared with her about a teacher who had a “history” of beating students at her old school, which the school did not know about when recruiting. The old school let her leave her job peacefully. She moved and applied to this private school.

At her new school, she behaved differently, but her parents learned of her past and voiced their objections. She took the initiative to resign before the school asked.

Teachers in Ho Chi Minh City at a seminar on the heart of teachers (Photo: QT).

Her path back to work was indeed difficult and also shows that teachers' unethical behavior must face serious and long-term consequences.

Ms. Huyen said that in the private school sector, from the mid-high to high tuition segment, teachers with a “history” of beating and insulting students cannot be accepted. They are not confident in recruiting candidates whose previous workplaces show signs of misconduct in dealing with students.

Dr. Huyen confided that she can sympathize with the moments of lack of self-control, the difficulties and pressures of teachers. She also does not rush to judge their personalities because of inappropriate behavior in some specific situations.

However, that does not mean that beating or insulting students is acceptable. Even with the consent of parents, it does not mean that such behavior is allowed.

According to Ms. Huyen, it is necessary to clearly distinguish that physically abusing and insulting students with vulgar words are limits that teachers cannot cross. If they arbitrarily cross this limit, teachers must accept and take responsibility for the "price" that comes with it, which is loss of reputation, loss of job, loss of opportunity to continue working...

Sharing at a discussion on school behavior, education researcher Nguyen Quoc Vuong emphasized: "The basic principle of every teacher is to avoid contact or physical abuse of students in any form unless it is an emergency or mandatory situation."

This is not only a legal regulation but also a precaution to avoid dangerous situations for students and teachers.

According to Mr. Vuong, in education, “teachers must be teachers, students must be students”. Teachers must constantly improve themselves, build their reputation with parents and students through professional competence, pedagogical skills, social communication skills, and situation handling.

Building a good relationship with students is extremely important for every teacher.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/chiec-thuoc-nhua-va-quyet-dinh-buoc-thoi-viec-gioi-han-nao-cho-nguoi-thay-20251114144331766.htm