I cannot understand the line of reasoning behind Jonathan Debono’s letter (Spoiled teachers – TMID, 23 April).

He goes on a rampage to try to discredit the work carried out by teachers, forgetting that their commitments do not stop when the bell rings at 2.30pm, but continues afterwards at home.

Many take loads of copybooks to correct during what is supposed to be their free time, while others prepare lessons for the following days, if not weeks. Most do both, because they are dedicated to their profession.

It is not easy to spend a whole day with 25 children. Neither is it easy for teachers to hold the same lessons to different classes. I suggest that Mr Debono, and whoever thinks like him, should spend just one day in a school – if he is not made of the right mettle, he will not go back the next day.

It is easy to criticise teachers because they officially work less hours and have more holidays than the rest of the working population. But I think that the amount of stress that they have to face each and every day does give them the right to such a privilege. Let me assure Mr Debono that this “privilege” does not compensate for the amount of work that most teachers put in.

C. Mallia

Hamrun