My math and chem teacher in hs were the absolute worst. I don't usually wish bad things on people, but man, they deserve it. I'd prefer 10 years of college over reliving one year of hs.
Unfortunately, the effects teachers have on teenagers, aka a category of people who are gradually developing mentally and psychologically, are underrated. Everyone takes teaching 14-18 year olds too lightly.
I'm much more confident now, I hold 5-7 presentations in front of the class every semester. But there's still so much stuff I postpone or give up on when I hear someone say something remotely discouraging, even when accidental and easy to brush off as a joke. I start projects sometimes, but my dad would say, for example, something innocent like "do you have time for that?" and I'd feel immediately down for no reason.
I also hate seeing my tests. I don't usually come to lectures when profs say they're gonna talk with us individually about tests. The moment I see the red pen or they try to explain what I did wrong, I get weirdly defensive because there was a time when I was getting bullied instead of taught. I still haven't opened an email from last year of a prof sending me a graded test back. 🤡
I wanna be a teacher too, but sometimes I ask myself if I can handle the stress of children without turning into a bullying asshole like the teachers I've had, so I'm still pondering on that. I wish I could've pursued child psychology (I wasn't accepted in psychology) and help teens who are bullied and belittled by their teachers because it's such an overlooked issue in schools.
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flowersnbullets [them]
Going through this sucks, I feel you. Even though I'm way past highschool, I'm having a tough time with a teacher on an online course im taking that's really zapping the life & motivation out of me. The feedback he's given me has really discouraged me to the point where it hurts to admit that it has affected how I see myself even as an adult.
I empathize and feel so bad for students right now, because they're being brought up with poor education that doesnt consider different styles of learning and neurodivergence & on top of that, have to deal with teachers who are reasonably burnt out! I've worked with teens before and I've tried my best to be encouraging and to actually listen to what they have to say. May we never lose touch with our younger selves when we teach. Hopefully that, and humility are enough to make us good mentors to the people we teach to.
I feel you. At least now we're aware of the situation and we can help ourselves as much as we can! I admit sometimes I let my ego inflate too much as a coping mechanism, and I'm like "you say I'm wrong? Nah, no way", but I'm not sure that's healthy either.
Also, teenagers are the hardest to interact with properly imo! I dealt with kids up to 12/13 just fine, but afterwards they're unpredictable for me and honestly we need next level teachers empathy-wise to guide them without underestimating their feelings.
by 𝒟𝒾𝒶𝓃𝒶; ; Report
Agreed! I still get kinda scared when working with them but in part it’s because I want to make a good impression & show that I care lol. It’s a big social responsibility, even if there’s a teen I don’t teach, I still do my best to hear them out & give advice if that’s what they want.
by flowersnbullets [them]; ; Report
Ins4yn33m3!
This is relatable, when you get too used to getting scolded if you’re wrong, being told your rong just gives that feeling I can’t explain. And yes, teens now are raised differently with different standards. It’s understandable how you might question if you can handle the stress, and that’s good. It’s better than being too late into the job and you realize you aren’t fit for the category. Many, students suffer being belittled for being stupid, when clearly they probably don’t understand or is actually too young for the grade.
My class has a student that is told she was an advanced learner, but it actually was because she wanted to start school early instead of going at the recommended age. She can analyze things, but still has a mindset that goes back to the last grade.
I do hope things change, since this must not continue.
Yeah, I feel like too many teachers are only teaching because that was the only job available for them. It takes more than just being academically competent in your field to deal with kids properly. My dad calls handling kids a "natural gift", not a skill to acquire. I'm gonna have practice next year and see if it fits me cause I'd like to teach, but I don't wanna traumatize anyone.
My youngest cousin was in a similar situation. She was one grade over her age and she's extremely intelligent but you could tell she's not handling the classes properly... And yes, of course she was the black sheep.
by 𝒟𝒾𝒶𝓃𝒶; ; Report