MALAYSIAN teachers love their job and are among the most dedicated in the world in ensuring their students excel academically, according to the first ever Global Education Census 2018.

It also said that, “Our teachers are hard working but are bogged down by matters other than teaching.”

But there’s not been much said about educators leaving the profession.

At my place of work, a number of teachers have taken optional retirement or moved away to a new place.

Almost every 2 months, farewell parties are held and more will be coming by 2020. Some are of course reaching their 60s but optional cases are rising, too.

In their farewell speeches, not many were willing to open up as to why they were leaving, except a few.

The head of department will always say, “thank you very much for the hard work, dedication and willingness to share the knowledge, skills and experience and please do come back anytime after retirement, the door is always open for retirees.” Believe it or not no one does.

There were a few who spoke out in a polite manner. Their words were simple and short but meaningful, but then again no one wants to listen.

I managed to gather some thoughts which I think should be shared.

One colleague of mine who had been working for 34 years mentioned about “closing the gap between the heads of departments and working colleagues”.

It takes someone with courage to say “please do not put yourself above the rest as we are working towards the same goals and objectives; it is our duty and responsibility not to hurt each other, let us work in harmony, let us be true with each other”.

The latest farewell speech came from a colleague who holds a PhD who just could not take it anymore, although she has 6 more years to go before retirement.

She has 32 years of experience and has worked in schools and divisions of the ministry but finally called it a day as she just can’t bear to see students having to come up with 20 assignments in a semester.

It not only takes a toll on the students but the teaching staff as well. She tried, and voiced this out in meetings but nothing changed.

She did mention on grading on a curve, which is not to her liking as this had led to grade inflation on the assignments and examinations.

Then there’s the ISO, MQA, EKSA, name any programme that the division and ministry call for, adding clerical and documentation work to a teacher’s workload.

There’s no doubt that we are dedicated but there seems to be less happiness, love and mutual respect among us.

Everyone tries their best to make the environment cheerful and engage with each other but often it is all just a show.

The actual fact is that there is much hypocrisy and drama, and most will have to bear this until their retirement day.

The administrators and the management do not help either and seem more than happy to attend farewell lunches and parties. – November 25, 2018.

* Kheru Khek is an educator who is leaving too.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.