Teaching Is Not the Issue; The Problem Occurs When Teachers Are Not Allowed to Teach

Teaching Is Not the Issue; The Problem Occurs When Teachers Are Not Allowed to Teach

Teaching has always been at the heart of societal progress. It’s the bridge between generations, the foundation of critical thinking, and the cornerstone of innovation. However, a troubling trend has emerged: the problem isn’t with teaching itself, but with the barriers that prevent teachers from doing their jobs effectively. During my 41-year career as a teacher and principal, I have seen the best of times and the worst of times in education.

Over-Regulation and Standardization

One major obstacle teachers face is the imposition of rigid standards and excessive testing. Instead of empowering educators to adapt lessons to their students’ needs, these regulations force them into a one-size-fits-all model. This leads to a loss of creativity in the classroom and makes teaching feel like a box-ticking exercise.

When teachers spend more time preparing students for standardized tests than fostering curiosity and independent thought, education becomes about compliance, not learning.

Curriculum Censorship

In recent years, debates over what should or shouldn’t be taught have intensified. Some teachers find themselves caught in political crossfires, with restricted access to materials or topics deemed “controversial.” When educators cannot discuss history, science, or literature fully, students lose the chance to engage critically with the world around them.This censorship stifles open dialogue and reduces teaching to a mechanical process, rather than a dynamic exchange of ideas.

Lack of Autonomy

Educators are trained professionals, yet many are micromanaged by policies that limit their decision-making power. Whether it’s dictated lesson plans or scripted teaching methods, such constraints undermine the teacher’s expertise. A teacher knows best how to connect with their students, but when shackled by unnecessary oversight, their ability to inspire and guide is diminished.

Overloaded Responsibilities

Beyond teaching, educators are now expected to act as counselors, social workers, and administrators. While these roles are important, they often leave teachers with little time to focus on their primary job: teaching. When resources and support are lacking, teachers are spread thin, leaving them unable to provide the depth of instruction their students deserve.

Lack of Respect and Support

Perhaps the most disheartening barrier is the lack of respect and support teachers receive. They are often blamed for systemic failures in education, even when those failures stem from policy decisions beyond their control. Without proper funding, professional development, and respect, teachers are left feeling powerless and undervalued.

The Way Forward

To let teachers truly teach, we must:

1. Reduce bureaucratic burdens: Give educators the freedom to tailor lessons to their classrooms.
2. End the war on critical thinking: Protect the right to teach diverse, challenging content.
3. Support teachers holistically: Provide adequate resources and respect their professional judgment.
4. Prioritize teacher training and development: Equip them with tools to innovate and inspire.

The issue isn’t the act of teaching—it’s the restrictions placed on those who teach. If we truly value education, we must empower teachers to do what they do best: spark curiosity, nurture potential, and prepare the next generation to think critically. Let teachers teach, and the ripple effects will transform not just classrooms, but society as a whole.