SAPNA

Four days later the video of 6-year-old Pranay Teja still deeply unsettles me. In those few seconds of footage, you can see a little child in distress, frightened and overwhelmed, in the care of the very adult he was supposed to be safe with.

As a teacher myself, and as a parent, I cannot simply scroll past it.

We don't entrust teachers with just our children's education. We entrust them with LITTLE LIVES.

Children who may be too young to articulate what frightens them. Too intimidated to speak up.

Subject knowledge is not enough. A teacher needs much more than qualifications.

They need patience.
Empathy.
Emotional maturity.
Self-control.

And the ability to correct a child without humiliating, frightening or hurting them.

I have had my own share of concerns with teachers my children have had. I have questioned things. I have also demanded accountability when things felt off.

Because respecting teachers and holding them accountable are NOT mutually exclusive.

Whatever the investigation ultimately establishes, there should be no ambiguity about this:

Nobody touches a child in anger.

No abuse should be ignored.
No warning sign should be dismissed.
No position of authority should place anyone beyond accountability.

If you don't have the patience or temperament to deal with children, PLEASE DON'T ENTER THIS PROFESSION.