Public's perception on teachers must change: Kamalanathan

AMPANG: The public's perception about teachers must change, said deputy Education minister Datuk P. Kamalanathan.
"Teaching (is) not about having a qualification but possessing a passion to educate future leaders. In my constituency, there's a special child in a special needs classroom. I felt very touched as these students have different abilities.
"This child was hyperactive. She spits at people. It's not what she wants to do, it's a habit. If you're not used to it, you'll be offended.
"I entered the classroom and the child spits on her (a teacher). I was taken aback. The teacher, instead, held this child in her arms! This incident didn't bother her at all.
"I was speechless because the challenges go through teaching a child while people talking not good stuff about them ... they will never appreciate teachers. She (the teacher) is not alone in this - there are 430,000 teachers nationwide," the Hulu Selangor MP said, after witnessing a closing ceremony of the 40th Southeast Asia Forensics Tournament held at the International School of Kuala Lumpur, here today.
He also called for fair reporting as a teacher's job extends beyond the classroom.
"If a teacher spits on a child, what will the reaction of the community will have (on the individual)? That must change.
"Just one mistake, it makes the front page, you don't only discredit the person, you discredit their family and neighbours.
"If the teacher is found not guilty you will give a small article in a column. That is very unfair. This (perception) must change," he added.