Question for Teachers ...

[magicmouse2]

Not Disney related.

My daughters Teacher has been giving pupils in his class 1 pound for doing various jobs like stapling and photocopying. I was concerned about this as I have never heard of this happening and was worried it was unethical. My daughter is 10. SHould I be worried ?

 

[jen_uk]

Well it sounds like they are doing his lesson prep for him, he sounds a bit lazy! Its a bit iffy that he is giving them money, Im sure that that would be against school rules. When my students help me with something I give them lollypops! I would never give them money and they are all over 16, its definately a bit odd that he is giving cash to kids.

 

[emily1982]

We have year 6's that help out in the school office by stapling, putting letters together, errands etc, but we give it to them more as a responsibility (like a prefect)and they do it for 15 mins a lunch hour etc, i would be concerned about the payment though, would think it was very inappropriate. Don't they have house point system or something instead?

 

[Danauk]

I teach year 6 and do have kids to do some jobs for me. However like in Emily's school it is more of a responsibility thing. We have a rota system in class so the children doing the jobs changes every half term. The jobs are things like taking the register, sticking homework sheets in books (after I have photocopies and trimmed them), watering the plants, preparing the juice for snacks and washing the snack cups. I would never get the children to do the photocopying as we are not even allowed to get work experience students (ages 14/15) to do this. I would certainly never pay students to do these things. In my class children earn reward stickers which then lead to small prizes but they get these reward stickers for working hard, doing extra things etc. I'm not sure it is unethical though, maybe try to find out if this is happening in other classes? However I would not think to do this.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

I would think paying the children is unethical and most likely against school policy. Besides that I think it is sending the children the wrong message...having responsibilty and teaching it is wonderful but paying children in school just doesn't sit well with me.
I would have a chat with other parents and the principal. Good Luck

 

[magicmouse2]

Thanks so much. I am going to have a chat with the headteacher. I have always taught the kids not to accept money from people other than close family. I cant understand why they dont give sweets or stickers either. It makes me feel uncomfortable, I just wanted opinions before saying anything in case I was overreacting.

 

[cheryl.UK]

Can I ask.. is the teacher fairly new to the profession? In my school, I have had instances of young or inexperienced staff stepping outside the boundries through a lack of thinking through the consequences.

If I were you I would voice my concerns to the teacher, and from a mum's perspective explain why you don't think it's reasonable. If you don't like his response or the money doesn't stop...go to the head, but please give the member of staff a chance first.

 

[Chilly]

I agree with Cheryl. The teacher should be given the chance to explain first but I do think it should be stopped.

 

[AnitaCB]

At Emily's school they earn house points for doing jobs, which the teacher hands out - they all volunteer because they have a points raffle each week with someone winning a pack of pencils or other small prize. I don't think I'd be very happy about them getting money. It's not an ethical opinion, I just don't think it sits right, paying children to do jobs at school.

 

[Chilly]

Any update? Did you talk to the teacher or head?