Teachers across the country have been urged to be treated with greater empathy and understanding, as leaders in the education sector call for a more humane approach to school administration.
KUPPET Meru Executive Secretary, Njira Morris Muthomi, emphasised that while teachers are expected to be sensitive to learners’ home environments, their own personal struggles must not be ignored.
“Administrators want teachers to be sensitive to our learners’ home lives. But administrators also need to be sensitive to the home life of our teachers,” he said.
He noted that many teachers silently endure difficult life situations, including divorce, depression, abusive marriages, family illnesses and other emotional and psychological stresses that significantly affect their performance in the workplace.
“These challenges have a profound impact as they perform their professional duties. Teachers need compassion, too,” he added.
Muthomi further stressed that educators should not be treated as adversaries within the school system but rather as key partners in delivering quality education.
“Let us remember: a teacher is not an enemy, but a partner in delivering education,” he said.
The unionist called for stronger collaboration between school administrators and teaching staff.
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He also raised concern over rising cases of mental health struggles among teachers, noting that, similar to learners, educators also experience mental breakdowns and require institutional support, understanding and care.
The remarks come amid ongoing discussions within the education sector on teacher welfare, workload pressures, and the need to strengthen mental health support systems in schools.
KUPPET Meru Branch officials say the focus should now shift toward building healthier school environments that support both learners and teachers alike.
By Kithinji Njeru
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