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female
age
22-25,
anonymous
writes: My friends and I have had so many awesome teachers in the last few years, but there is one who stands out in particular. I always learnt best in her classes; she had a tendency to find so many ways to visualize the topic and make even the most complicated lessons seem easy for us to do! I have been in her class since I was twelve, which is when I was new to the school and academically not doing that great, so I think that it was her who taught me how the amount if effort I put into a project or assignment will affect my end result.Before she taught me, I had no clue or interest in her subject at all, and, quite frankly, was narrow-minded. Now, I love the subject. I often read the text-book during the holidays so that I have a head start. Usually, I get confused pretty easily, but know that I'll understand the topic once she'd explain it in class. And even if we wouldn't, she always encouraged us to ask questions.You can probably tell, I adored her. I think I may have even loved her the way I would love an older sister. Even though she never directly said it, I think she enjoyed teaching our grade a lot. Unlike other teachers, she seemed to have concern for the students once class ended, without invading or being too personal. Another thing I appreciated about her: if she had favorites (I'm sure every teachers do), she didn't show it. Not ever.Everyone in my grade expected her to teach us for another couple of years, so it was kind of a shock when she suddenly had to leave school about a month ago, due to happy (and frustrating, since if everything would have gone according to plan, she would have been able to teach us for a few more months) reasons . Even though I still miss her and her classes, I've gotten over the fact that she won't teach us for the next two years, if she comes back at all. For the past few weeks, another teacher has given up some of her free periods to take over the lessons. I still enjoy the subject, but it's not the same.On Monday, a new teacher will come and take over her classes. I don't want him to, which is really strange for me, because I usually get so excited and happy when a new person comes to school. I've seen him for a few seconds in the hallway today, and he kind of gives me the impression of a fisherman... Not that that is bad, but he seems nothing like her. I already know that if he will walk into HER class as if he owns the place and if he will make any snarky comment about her sudden "disappearance", I will hate him. I don't want to be so negative, but what should I remind myself to stay positive and open to a new teacher, even though I know he won't replace the precious one anyway?
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female
reader, aunt honesty  +, writes (21 February 2017):
 So Monday has been and gone how did it go?
A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (16 February 2017): To people who answered still looking at this, thank you so much for the replies!Yes, I agree that I was to quick to use the word 'hate', and it was good to see why my teachers may say something that annoys me. Saying something intended as a joke or compliment that ended up seeming offensive happens to me a lot, so now I find it strange that I never thought that others would be in the same situation. I'll make sure not to take any comments as a personal attack on her!I'll make sure to ask questions in class when I need help, and I will try to be more open-minded when it comes to accepting the new teacher. Disliking him for no reason won't change anything for the good. And you're right, the information I am given will still be the same, and whether I do well or not will still depend on whether I'll still use the knowledge and work hard.I see what you mean with students getting annoyed too easily at everything the teacher says. There is a girl in my art and design class who is exactly like how you described some students to be, and gets really angry with the teacher even though she is only trying to help her and push her to do better. I will try not to be that student!Thank you so much again!
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (16 February 2017): Don't gear yourself up to hate him already, you are already hypothetically putting words in his mouth!
I am glad that you have experience with a great & inspirational teacher.
Teachers don't have an easy job in North America. That is because they spend half (or more) of their energy just trying to manage large classes where students are often on snapchat and taking selfies. Some time try standing up giving an oral presentation to a class full of people looking at their laps, or sullen/ angry about whatever you suggest they do, and see how it feels. I am not saying all students are like that, but there is a definite culture of disrespect and push-back developing.
When teachers start having to focus energy on that kind of thing, the teaching itself often suffers.
Teachers are humans, and they are going to make mistakes. They may even say things they regret! Or show favoritism when they don't even mean to do so! Or have a sarcastic remark taken the wrong way when it was meant to make a student laugh!
Just remember this...there are a lot of things I used to be mad at my teachers about when I was your age. Now I AM a teacher, and I have finally realized that a lot of the things I was annoyed about, I actually say/do myself when teaching. I now understand the teachers didn't mean anything bad by it, and I was probably overly-sensitive due to lack of life experience.
That is not to say there aren't downright bad teachers out there...but more often than not, there are teachers who aren't great or terrible- just human and doing their best.
If you had a great teacher, make sure you tell her in a note or email about her impact on your life. It would be much appreciated, I guarantee you.
Good Luck!
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (15 February 2017): First I want to compliment your writing and good expression. You used excellent spelling and grammar, and paid close-attention to syntax and sentence-structure. This shows that you are a good student. Even when you say you get confused and some subjects are hard for you.
You may even have a talent for writing, and should keep that in-mind.
I think you should give the substitute-teacher a chance. You should continue to ask questions and seek help when you need it.
It was quite lovely how you described your teacher. Good teachers are under-paid and under-appreciated for the most part. It's wonderful students like yourself that inspire them and make them love what they do! You're a lovely child, with a very tender heart and good soul!
Not only did your teacher impress you by showing you the attention all students deserve; but she was also showing you how to be a good student. You have to listen, participate, and ask questions. That goes for all subjects, including those you don't care for. She was brilliant, if she left such a great impression on you as a student.
As you grow older, you will learn that learning isn't all about the teacher; it is about knowledge.
You may not like the method or the personality of the person who delivers and offers you knowledge; but knowledge is a gift. You will need it even if you aren't particularly interested in the subject, and it may become very important in your life.
So take it from anyone willing to offer it to you. Even if they don't reach the places in your heart the other teacher did. She made learning enjoyable. That's what it's about!
When a teacher falls short of what you need, it's your right as a student to let them know you need more help. You must be open-minded and give all your teachers a chance; because everyone is different, and we all do things differently. Just like all students don't perform the same.
I hope he is able to make learning as enjoyable as your last teacher. You have to give him that opportunity.
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A
female
reader, Andie's Thoughts  +, writes (15 February 2017):
 Just give him a chance. Chill and focus on the lesson :)
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