Asslamo Allaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh,
Ann Maguire was a 61 year old (mother of two) stabbed to death by a student at Corpus Christi Catholic College (Leeds, UK). Based on recollection of students (past and present) Ann was a wonderful teacher who touched the lives of students (in her care) and created wonderful memories cherished by everyone who came across her.
This is a tragedy of epic proportions. As a Muslim I am appalled by this senseless act and saddened by the state of society which demeans its teachers.
Teachers build tomorrow and the respect and dignity of teachers is being eroded from our society. 2/5th of the teachers quit within 5 years of qualifying in UK and teacher bullying is a significant factor for our best and brightest leaving the professional altogether both in US and UK. Cyber-bullying is making things worse for teachers.
I know of Non-Muslims who have chosen to stay at majority Muslim (pupil) School because of better behaviour and discipline of the pupils. Therefore, I suggest Department of Education and those serious about the resolving the issue to learn from Islam and Muslim professionals in their midst. A new framework for teacher respect needs to be enacted and pertinent Islamic guidelines can be drafted into its structure.
I conclude with feelings of immense grief for the family on their loss and reiterate that it shouldn’t take a senseless and barbaric murder to highlight the plight of teachers in Western societies.