Students 'trim the mosquito' in class. Teachers helpless
Polish teachers are facing challenges in discipline due to stringent regulations protecting students' rights.
A recent discussion among Polish educators highlights the growing difficulty of maintaining classroom discipline under strict regulations meant to protect students. A veteran teacher shared his experience of an asleep student during class, contemplating whether to mark a warning or allow the student to rest, reflecting the dilemma faced by many educators today. The teacher is aware that reporting the issue could lead to accusations of failing to recognize the student's problems, placing them in a difficult position where they must balance discipline with empathy.
The situation is further complicated by the implementation of the Lex Kamilek law, which emphasizes protecting minors in educational settings. This law prohibits teachers from any form of physical disturbance to wake a student, even if done gently, which has significantly altered the way teachers interact with their students. As a result, educators are wary of potential repercussions from parents or school authorities should they take action in what they deem necessary for maintaining order in the classroom.
Anonymous posts on social media from teachers express frustration and fear of disciplinary measures against them for attempting to engage students who are clearly disengaged or struggling. One teacher recounted being reported to educational authorities after trying to wake a sleeping student, showcasing the precarious situational educators now find themselves in, balancing their duty to teach with an increasingly protected student body. These circumstances raise questions about effective teaching practices and the broader implications for education in Poland.