As educators, we have a profound responsibility to nurture and guide students toward their academic and personal goals. Yet, it saddens me to witness instances where some teachers turn this sacred duty into a personal battle, leaving students caught in the crossfire. Today, I ended my day on a disheartening note. A student who joined Raena Learning in May for English tutoring shared that her school is punishing her for seeking external help.
What’s even more troubling is the way her English teacher has treated her. Instead of providing constructive feedback, her answers are crossed out with big red marks, her papers thrown back at her without proper review. The student is supposed to sit for a critical exam in just a month, and she’s left traumatized, confused, and unsupported. The school and the teacher have chosen to view this situation as competition, failing to recognize the student’s needs and academic goals.
Why Some Teachers View External Tuition as Competition
This attitude is unfortunately not uncommon. Despite Raena Learning’s 18 years of experience helping students succeed, there are still teachers who see external tutoring as a threat. These teachers and schools mistakenly believe that we are undermining their efforts, rather than complementing them. In this particular case, the teacher seems to take it personally that the student sought additional support, to the point of resisting our guidance, even though the student has verified our advice through examiner exemplar responses.
The situation raises serious questions: When did teaching stop being a calling? When did some teachers begin to take matters personally, failing to see the genuine effort students make to succeed? Instead of supporting students who seek help, they view it as disloyalty or a challenge to their authority. This kind of attitude undermines the very purpose of education, which is to empower students, not hold them back.
The Harmful Impact on Students
In this case, the student is now unsure whether to follow our guidance or her school teacher’s conflicting advice. As tutors, we are here to reinforce what students learn in school, offering additional support, not to steer them away from their teachers. But when the school refuses to acknowledge a student’s needs, the student becomes confused, doubting their own abilities and the value of external help. This can have a devastating impact on a student’s confidence, motivation, and ultimately, their exam performance.
The truth is, parents often seek out external tutoring to get a second or third opinion from experienced teachers with a proven track record. They want the best for their children, and when a teacher sees this as a challenge, rather than an opportunity for collaboration, it is the student who suffers.
What Parents Should Consider Before Choosing a School
The behavior of the school and its teachers in this instance raises important points for parents to consider when selecting a school for their child. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
1. Teacher Support and Responsiveness: Does the school have teachers who are willing to provide personalized support to students, or do they brush off students’ needs? A good teacher should never make a student feel ashamed for seeking help. Look for schools where teachers are approachable, dedicated, and willing to collaborate with external tutors when necessary.
2. Feedback Mechanism: How do the teachers provide feedback? Constructive criticism is essential for learning, but dismissive or punitive approaches can damage a student’s confidence. Ensure the school you choose prioritizes helpful, respectful feedback.
3. Collaboration with External Tutors: Does the school see external tutoring as competition or a complement to their teaching? A school that views external help as a resource is far more likely to foster a supportive and nurturing environment for your child. External tutoring should be seen as an additional tool for the student to excel, not something to be vilified.
4. School’s Attitude Toward Individualized Learning: Each student is unique, with different learning needs. Schools that resist individualized support, such as external tutoring, may not be the best fit for students who need extra help. A forward-thinking school will recognize the value of multiple educational resources working together to ensure student success.
5. Student-Centered Approach: Above all, the school’s primary focus should always be on the student’s well-being and success. Schools and teachers that place their ego or personal feelings above the needs of the student fail in their core duty as educators.
Conclusion
As educators, both in schools and in external tutoring centers like Raena Learning, our goal should be unified: helping students achieve their full potential. Unfortunately, when personal rivalries and territorial attitudes get in the way, it is the students who pay the price. It is time for all educators to recognize that teaching is not about personal pride or competition, but about guiding students toward success through support, collaboration, and encouragement.
Parents, when choosing a school for your child, look beyond the reputation or test scores. Consider how the teachers interact with students, how feedback is given, and whether the school fosters an environment of collaboration. Your child deserves the best, and that often means the combined efforts of both schools and tutors working together for their benefit. After all, education is not a battleground—it is a journey we should all be helping students navigate with care and compassion.
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