I could not believe what I read in the article "Pensioner shot by school lunchtime rowdies" (May 30) when Mr Burke pointed the finger of blame at the school for pupils' lack of manners.

As a teacher, I have been subjected to verbal and threatening abuse by both pupils and their parents.

It is very clear where pupils learn this sort of behaviour and at whom the finger of blame should be pointed.

Too often, when parents are called into school to account for their children's rude and offensive behaviour, they take the side of their child, counteracting the authority and work of teachers and undermining the values of society.

If the teacher shortage crisis is to be lessened, perhaps a bit more support and less wrongful blame is the answer, as well as an appreciation of what we teachers are having to work against.

-Susan Luxford, Sillwood Road, Brighton