Teacher on phone bad role model

Dear editor:

As I was driving past East Elementary recently at about 2:15 pm I was stunned to see a teacher standing out on the playground, apparently on duty, talking on a cell phone.

He wasn't even watching the children. As a matter of fact he had his back turned to the kids that were pouring out of the school to play at recess. Granted, I didn't stay around to watch how long he was on the phone but the fact that he even answered it or made a call while he had children under his care is irresponsible and careless.

Had I been driving my own vehicle, and not riding with someone, I would have stopped and asked him his name and informed him that I was very glad my child didn't attend that school.

Teachers need to lead by example. My daughter is 12 and she has her own cell phone. I know for a FACT that if she used it during school hours or in front of the other children that it would be confiscated for the rest of the school day. I have taught her that she is to respect the rules of the school. Yet the teachers can't? What kind of 'teaching' is that?

I'm not accusing all teachers not leading by example, my daughter has had some very good teachers. However, she has also had some that curse or call the children 'dumb' and 'stupid' and now they talk on their cell phones when the kids are forbidden to!?

Teachers have a responsibility to our children. You aren't just a 'teacher' you are a mentor and an illustration of what a responsible adult is. Kids learn by example, if you want respect, give respect. Use the break room to make or receive a personal call and most of all remember that you are the model that your students learn from eight hours out of their day.

Shae Burns