Phoebe Burgess "deeply upset" following intense backlash over her comments about teachers.

Phoebe Burgess has defended comments she made on Today Extra about teachers, adding she is “deeply upset and embarrassed”.

The TV presenter, who is married to NRL star Sam Burgess, was asked about banning homework for children during a Today Extra segment, to which she responded that she supported homework and thought teachers should be issuing it.

“I think it’s plain lazy to say you don’t have time,” Phoebe said.

“You clock off at 3pm. Make the time.”

The pregnant 27-year-old defended herself, but also expressed regret for the comments in her lengthy online response to the backlash that ensued.

Back to it @fluidformpilates @loveyourform ???? #Pilates

A photo posted by PHOEBE BURGESS (@mrsphoebeburgess) on Sep 26, 2016 at 3:30am PDT

Commenting on an Instagram post, the freelance writer first thanked those who “took the time to express your frustrations” before talking about how highly she regarded teachers.

“I am deeply upset, and embarrassed, that my poorly expressed point and, I accept, flippant remark has lead you to believe I don’t hold the teaching profession in the highest regard,” Phoebe wrote.

Listen: Should kids have homework? On the This Glorious Mess podcast. Post continues below.

She said she didn’t want to justify her comments, but to “hopefully clarify them”.

“I have minutes to form an opinion to generate discussion and never have I so badly been misinterpreted, or caused offence, with years of doing this.”

“I accept your frustration, though I do not accept I am calling all, or any, teachers lazy.

“My issue was with the reasons given in our referenced article to dismiss homework completely.”

Hey all,
Thanks to those of you took the time to express your frustrations and more so to those who took the time to engage in a conversation with me privately.
I am deeply upset, and embarrassed, that my poorly expressed point and, I accept,
flippant remark has lead you to believe I don’t hold the teaching profession in the highest regard.
This response is not to justify my comments but to hopefully clarify them in the genuine hope of silence not causing further offence.
With multiple teachers in my family, and you’re right, being about to start my own family, the short clip you saw was not an accurate or fair reflection of my true opinion of how damn hard teachers work (this true impression is from working with educators at the top of the education system myself and through said family).
In the short time I had to express myself, I was making or attempted to make a point about homework and the importance, in my opinion, of it when it comes to learning.
I am not an expert – agreed.
I have minutes to form an opinion to generate discussion and never have I so badly been misinterpreted, or caused offence, with years of doing this.
My point, and the topic being discussed, was simply about homework which after speaking to many teachers following this experience, is the cornerstone of learning. In my mind I thought I was in the corner of those teachers who do the extra work when the children leave at the end of the day (the dismal referral to “clocking off”) to ensure their students are taught to upmost.
Extra work which most agree is required by a tough job. My issue was with the reasons given in our referenced article to dismiss homework completely.
I accept your frustration, though I do not accept I am calling all, or any, teachers lazy.
I was referring to the topic in discussion not the work ethic of an entire community.
I’m going to learn and grow from this one!
Phoebe

 

One another Instagram post, Phoebe called out one commenter who labeled the star “ditzy” and asked if she could “even spell”.

Phoebe was taking none of it, replying: “Hey mate @pjdenners appreciate frustrations and opinions but take your abuse elsewhere.”

“And yes thank you, my BA(M Comms) degree from USYD means I can spell and also identify/accept when I’ve been wrong and attempt to right it. Cheers.”

A powerful smackdown, if we’ve ever seen one.

Thanks you big legend @alexperry007 for making bump and I feel a million bucks ❤️ #22weeks

A photo posted by PHOEBE BURGESS (@mrsphoebeburgess) on Sep 28, 2016 at 10:01pm PDT