The other day, a teacher told my brother that he isn't good enough to succeed in the early college program that he's been accepted into. She was talking about grades in class and said to him, "You have a C and you want to do early college?" Yes, he does, and yes he absolutely can. If she took the time to get to know her students like a good teacher would, she would realize that he has taken it upon himself to work harder and improve his grades this year. Two years ago, I would not have seen him as an early college student. However, kids grow up, and he is proven that he is capable and willing to do the work to succeed in this program. She should see this program as the good thing that it clearly is. Students from around our area are taking control of their education. HOW is that a bad thing!? Why would a teacher say something like this to a 15-year-old boy? Why do teachers ever feel the need to make students feel like they aren't good enough?

Why do some teachers want to make children feel bad about themselves? There is no point in going into teaching with a mindset like that. Teachers should want to help their students become the best people they can be - not tear them down every chance they get. I have heard examples upon examples of teachers making students feel bad. Many teachers only enjoy teaching when they have the "perfect student," - one with A's and B's, one who participates (but not too much, that would be distracting!), and one who is involved with extra-curricular activities. If that's what they wanted, they should have become college professors.

K-12 is for experimenting, finding out who you are. If someone decides they wants to skip the oh-so-special "high school experience," and take early college classes, then teachers should support that. They should support students' efforts to learn who they are. They should accept it when someone blurts out an answer instead of raising their hand and waiting patiently. Yes, they should try their best to teach them how to be respectful in a classroom, because students need to learn. However, they shouldn't get too upset. They're kids, not adults. Teachers should find this childish behavior slightly endearing. There is no other way to make it through a lifetime in that career.

People with a passion for teaching are awesome. I could never picture myself working with teenagers all day, every day - I would pull my hair out. That's why I know that teaching isn't for me. I have friends who are passionate about teaching, and I am so excited for them to do what they love. However, if they ever find that they no longer love it, I sincerely hope that they don't take it out on their students.

Students are in school to learn, grow, and become the best version of themselves. If teachers can't help them down that path, then they shouldn't be teaching.