Abong Longkumer
They call it the Smile App, but for many teachers, it might as well be the Frown App. Why? Because accountability rarely comes with comfort. It tightens the loose ends, removes the leeway, and demands that those entrusted with education actually show up—on time, in person, and without excuses.
For years, some have traveled miles, leaving their families behind just to fulfill their duty of educating children. They endure long journeys, harsh conditions, and personal sacrifices because they believe in their calling.
Meanwhile, others sit comfortably at home, sending substitutes to take their place, treating the classroom like an optional responsibility rather than a duty.
Some have enjoyed the liberty of coming late, leaving early, or sending someone in their place—all while collecting the full benefits of a government paycheck. Now, with a simple app, the loopholes are closing, and suddenly, the same people entrusted with shaping young minds are resisting the very structure that ensures they do their job.
But let’s be honest—teachers are paid well to educate. If students arrive in class only to find an absent teacher or a half-hearted replacement, what are they learning? That responsibility is negotiable? That salaries can be earned without actual work? That an entire generation’s education can be sacrificed for personal convenience?
Students who arrived late were punished—told that discipline and punctuality are essential. Now, the same measure applies to the teachers. If students must be on time, why should teachers be exempt? If students are expected to be present, why should teachers get a free pass to stay away?
And yes, network issues exist. Poor connectivity in certain areas can be an inconvenience. But really—is that the prime excuse now? Is technology the problem, or is it just another loophole being sought? Because let us be real—where there is a will, there is a way. Teachers who are truly committed will find solutions, not excuses.
Of course, some teachers have genuine reasons to be away—parents dealing with sick children, personal emergencies, unforeseen struggles. No one dismisses that. But responsibility should never be a selective burden—binding some while others exploit the system.
This is not about making life difficult. It is about fairness. It’s about ensuring that the students who come to learn actually have teachers in the classroom, not just a name on the register with an empty chair. It is about binding everyone equally—not letting responsibility fall on a few while others manipulate the system.
So if an app designed to ensure presence and fairness makes you frown, maybe the question is not about the system being unfair. Maybe it is about whether some were ever truly committed in the first place.
If accountability feels like a burden, maybe it is because some were never carrying it to begin with.
~ Abong Longkumer