School is rough for a lot of us, and after forcing our pubescent, angsty selves out of our paradise of a bed and trudge to school it would be great for it to be a painless experience but there are a lot of things that make that impossible. Whether it be the bad food, the crowded halls, chemistry, those are all expected for the most part, but one curveball all students hate to be thrown is difficult teachers. And when I say difficult I don't mean a teacher who gives you too much homework and doesn't deal with your shenanigans, thats just a teacher you don't like. I am talking about the teachers who either obviously hate teaching and take it out on their students, never put in grades, are drill sergeants about every little thing, the ones that don't want to see you pass, the prideful teachers who think they are doing you a favor my gracing you with their knowledge, the ones that never put in grades, who never teach you anything, who teach you one thing and test you on another thing, decide they hate you and never give you a chance. Those are the sort of teachers Im talking about. There a million kinds of bad teachers and Im going to give you some steps and some tips on dealing with said teachers.
Before I say anything I want you to know that your education is a serious matter and you have the right to make sure your educational experience is the best it can be. So if you are going to take charge of that Its best done diplomatically. Diplomacy will take you so very far when it comes to dealing with teachers, counselors, and administrators. Im not telling you to mouth off to a teacher you don't like and tattle on them in hopes of getting them fired, I'm telling you to not let yourself suffer because of a teacher that isn't giving you what you need. Now that being said lets start.
First step: Wait. Give a teacher a decent amount of time before you decide they are a difficult teacher. The first few weeks are a huge adjustment period and they don't always show how they year will go accurately. Give the teacher a while to really see how they operate. And above all make sure that your lack of success in their class is not you.
After you wait: If you have given this problem teacher a good amount of time to showcase their teaching method and its less than satisfactory, the first thing to do is talk to them. Sometimes the problem isn't that they don't know how to teach but that they don't know how to teach you. Public schools apply a one size fits all learning environment but most teachers will accommodate to what you need. Have a one on one meeting after class or after school and discuss what each of you can do to ensure your success.
After talking to them one on one: If you are still having problems go talk to your counselor. They will be able to point you in one of two directions: either they can tell you that you can do to help whatever is stopping you and your teacher from communicating properly or they can help you move into a new class. The counselor will be able to tell you your options.
After taking to your counselor: Tell a parent/ guardian. Let them know that you are having a problem with a teacher. If it is effecting your grade in that class they will want to know that is isn't your fault. Also having your parent on your side is a great resource to have when you are trying to get things done. People don't take students very seriously so having a parent who agrees with you will transcend your argument.
After telling your parent: depending on the problem and if it persists either go back to the counselor and just get out of their class but if need be go to your principle. In my experience the principle usually cares about the well being of the student to a higher degree than the teacher, and getting them on your side is always a good thing. And telling them about the problem will help you but it will also help other kids having the same issue-- if enough people complain something will get done.
After all of that: a parent teacher conference has probably been planned or it has already happened and those are usually pretty helpful because it brings the problem to a more personal level and in a less professional environment and its usually easier to deal with that way. If after all of this you're still suffering in this class, my best advice is try to figure out a system for getting through the year. Don't dwell on the fact that you have been wronged or how unhappy you are because your grades will suffer. Just get the class over with.
In conclusion I just need to ask you to try not to be belligerent towards your teacher. The school is already going to take their side over yours, so don't give them a reason to validate that bias. Remain diplomatic as long as you can. If a teacher is treating you unfairly, or is verbally hurtful, or is targeting you, or is just utterly lacking as an educator do not stay quiet, get others involved and get the problem solved. Your education is so important and how you do in school shapes your life in a lot of ways, so don't settle for a teacher who makes you feel stupid or makes it impossible for you to succeed. You have a say so, no matter how many teachers and administrators try to convince you otherwise.
