ABHA: Psychological tests have been urged for all teachers in the wake of an educator killing seven employers of Jazan’s education department recently.

Psychiatrist Waleed Al-Zahrani called on the Education Ministry to ensure new tests for teachers applying for positions, according to a report in a local publication recently.

He said there are several male and female teachers currently holding jobs undergoing counseling for depression, schizophrenia and various forms of behavioral problems.

Some had entered the teaching profession with these problems, he said.

Al-Zahrani said teachers should be tested at government or private clinics for behavioral problems.

He said psychiatrists must be included on committees appointing teachers. If any teacher appears to have problems, then a full psychiatric evaluation can be ordered.

Sources were quoted as saying that the ministry recently approved special guidelines which require boy and girl leaders at schools to report any behavior of teachers they find suspicious.

Once a report is received, the education department in a particular region is then required to analyze it and make a determination on the suitability of the teacher.

A teacher under investigation is suspended from teaching classes.

The ministry has outlined several criteria for new teachers, which include that they have good eyesight, can distinguish between colors, and have a certain level of hearing.

They should also not suffer from any chronic or acute illnesses, heart disease, or have problems with their digestive systems, skin and reproductive systems.

Those who have treatable illnesses have 60 days to have themselves treated before they are given a chance to reapply. Those who cannot be treated within this period become ineligible.

Selection committees are given the discretion to determine whether teachers with certain illnesses or other issues can be employed, including those who are extremely short, have birth defects or disabilities.

The teacher in custody for the killings last week is Abdullah Al-Malki, 30, who taught Islamic studies.

He stormed the education department building in Bani Malik with a Kalashnikov machine gun and opened fire on colleagues.