What to do if your teacher is a grade A problem…
Whether you’re convinced that your teacher has got it in for you or you’ve got that one teacher who never seems to help, school can be a real struggle when you don’t see eye-to-eye with the person you rely on to support and guide you through your learning. Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can deal with teacher troubles.
My Teacher Picks On Me
I don’t think my teacher likes me. She’s always pointing out my mistakes in class and makes negative comments about my work. Everything I do seems to be wrong.
What to do:
It’s unlikely that your teacher has a genuine dislike for you, but it can certainly feel like it. Some teachers are better than others at communicating and it may be that your teacher isn’t very good at connecting with you, but that doesn’t mean they dislike you.
Talk to a parent about how you’re feeling or speak to another teacher at your school. Perhaps together you can look at some of your work and discuss the grades or comments you felt were unfair. Make a note of any times you felt picked on and talk it over to get a second opinion on the situation.
You can then reach out to your teacher to talk over some of the issues you have. Your parent can come with you for support or you could ask another teacher to attend the meeting to support you. Hopefully, you and your teacher can meet in the middle and work out ways to have a happier learning experience going forward.
Umm, A Little Help Here…?
I don’t feel supported by my teacher. Sometimes, when I don’t know what to do or I don’t understand something, he gets irritated or just tells me to ‘read the task’.
What to do:
Are you making it clear enough that you need help? Your teacher might not fully understand just how much you’re struggling so it’s important to speak up and explain exactly what you’re finding difficult. Pop up your hand or ask to speak to your teacher after class in more detail.
Everyone learns differently and that’s what makes us unique. Talk to your teacher about ways to make learning work for you. It might be that you need certain things explained in a different way, or you find visual hints helpful. Don’t be embarrassed or ashamed to ask for additional help if you need it. We all need help from time to time and your teacher is there to support you.
If this feels difficult on your own ask a parent, a friend or another teacher who you get along with to help you think through what you want to say, and the best way to deliver this.
Say What?
Sometimes it feels like my teacher is speaking in another language. She uses big words and complicated phrases when she asks questions and I feel totally stupid because I don’t understand what she’s saying.
What to do:
If there’s anything your teacher says or does that makes you feel confused, speak up. It’s OK to ask them to simplify the question or to say that you don’t fully understand. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking up in class, you can always talk to your teacher when the period ends. Remember, teachers want you to do well!
