The sudden death of Teacher Marjorie Llanto from Pantukan, Davao de Oro, has brought attention to the harmful effects of workplace stress and bullying. After 31 years of dedicated service as a teacher, Marjorie tragically passed away due to severe stress caused by a public scolding and insults from her school principal. Her story has sparked outrage and raised important questions about how teachers are treated in schools.

What Happened to Teacher Marjorie?

On September 4, 2023, during a regular class at Tibagon Elementary School, one of Marjorie’s Grade 2 students misbehaved and accidentally hurt himself. The child hit his head on a bench and started bleeding. Although Marjorie had warned the child earlier, the accident still happened. The student’s parent, upset about the injury, reported the incident directly to the school principal.

Rather than approaching the situation calmly and with understanding, the principal reportedly humiliated Marjorie in front of her colleagues. According to witnesses, he scolded her harshly and insulted her ability as a teacher, even questioning her decades of service. This public humiliation deeply affected Marjorie, who took the words to heart.

The Impact of Bullying and Stress

After the incident, Marjorie expressed her pain and frustration in a group chat with other parents and teachers. She was devastated by the principal’s treatment and felt that her 31 years of service as a teacher had been disrespected. The stress from this event soon took a toll on her health.

On September 17, 2023, Marjorie was rushed to the hospital after experiencing severe stress-related symptoms. Sadly, despite medical efforts, she passed away on September 19, 2023. Her death has shocked her family, students, and colleagues, who describe her as a kind and caring teacher who always put her students first.

Marjorie’s Family Seeks Justice

Marjorie’s family believes that the principal’s cruel treatment directly contributed to her death. They are now seeking justice and have called for an investigation into the incident. The Department of Education (DepEd) in Davao de Oro has responded to the family’s concerns by launching an official investigation. The principal involved has been summoned for questioning, and DepEd aims to determine if there was any misconduct on his part.

In her final moments, Marjorie was reportedly thinking about her students. Her daughter, Glorifel, shared that her mother was a dedicated teacher who cared deeply about her students and their education. Even when she was facing personal struggles, Marjorie’s commitment to her students remained strong.

The Parent’s Side of the Story

The parent of the injured student, identified as “April,” clarified her intentions following the incident. She stated that her goal was never to get Marjorie into trouble but simply to report her child’s injury to the principal. According to April, she had even spoken with Marjorie before going to the principal’s office, and there was no bad blood between them.

April also revealed that she and Marjorie had already made peace before the teacher’s death, and she regrets how the situation escalated. She has asked the public not to involve her child, who has been traumatized by the incident, in any bullying or further controversy.

The Effects of Workplace Bullying on Mental Health

Marjorie’s tragic death sheds light on the issue of workplace bullying and its serious impact on mental health. Teachers, like many other professionals, face immense stress in their jobs. They have to manage large classrooms, deal with difficult students, and meet the expectations of school administrators. When bullying from superiors is added to this already stressful environment, the mental and emotional toll can be overwhelming.

Bullying in the workplace can lead to anxiety, depression, and physical health problems. In Marjorie’s case, the principal’s public shaming was reportedly too much for her to handle. The intense stress she experienced following the incident contributed to her health deteriorating rapidly.

The Principal’s Role and Responsibility

School principals are expected to be leaders and role models, providing support and guidance to their teachers. However, in this case, the principal’s actions have been called into question. His treatment of Marjorie has been widely criticized, with many arguing that his behavior was unprofessional and harmful.

Principals play a critical role in shaping the work environment in schools. If they fail to provide emotional support and respect to their staff, it can create a toxic atmosphere that affects both teachers and students. Marjorie’s death serves as a wake-up call to school administrators everywhere to treat their teachers with kindness and understanding.

DepEd’s Investigation and Next Steps

The Department of Education (DepEd) has opened an investigation into the events that led to Marjorie’s death. The principal involved has been summoned, and a dialogue is expected to take place. The investigation will seek to answer several important questions:

• Was the principal’s treatment of Marjorie appropriate?
• Could the situation have been handled more professionally?
• What steps can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future?

The outcome of this investigation will be crucial in determining if any legal action should be taken against the principal. It will also help to identify areas where schools can improve their treatment of teachers to ensure their well-being and mental health.

The Need for Systemic Change in Schools

Marjorie’s tragic death has exposed deeper problems within the education system. Teachers are under immense pressure, and many are not receiving the support they need to manage their stress. Schools must take immediate action to create a healthier work environment for teachers.

Here are some steps that could help prevent incidents like this in the future:

• Provide mental health support: Schools should offer counseling and mental health resources for teachers, especially those facing high levels of stress.
• Train school leaders: Principals and administrators should receive proper training in leadership, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence.
• Implement anti-bullying policies: Schools need clear policies to protect teachers from bullying by superiors or colleagues.
• Foster a supportive environment: Teachers should feel respected and valued in their workplace, which can improve morale and reduce stress.

Conclusion

The death of Teacher Marjorie Llanto is a tragic reminder of the importance of mental health in the workplace, especially in schools. Her family’s plea for justice and DepEd’s investigation show that this issue cannot be ignored. Teachers should be treated with respect, compassion, and support to prevent further tragedies like this one.

Marjorie’s story is a call to action for school leaders to prioritize the well-being of their staff and to create an environment where teachers can thrive without fear of humiliation or bullying.