Get Schooled

By OldSchool

November 2, 2006 12:28 PM | Link to this

We teachers are human and like folks everywhere, we find it easier to automatically like some people than others. Like the majority of the teachers I know, I try very hard to treat all my students fairly and as equally as possible…which is nearly always impossible. Some need more help. Some need more attention. Some are clingers, some self-starters. Some are motivated, too many are not. Some insist on the attention and others would rather fade into the word wall (if I had one.)

There have been very few students who have actively sought zero attention from me by their own insistance on inaction. (I think that will make sense to other teachers.) I will move heaven and earth to help every student who gives me the slightest impression that he/she wants it.

Pets? I really don’t think so, but I do have a few students whom I have known forever (having taught their parents) and whom I trust to run the occasional errand or peer-tutor another student. I also have some I wouldn’t trust as far as I could throw them.

By catlady

November 2, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this

What is even more interesting is the opposite—the kid who feels the teacher is “against him”. Some of these kids play their parents like fiddles, getting by with this claim to explain their poor work, etc. When I have been confronted by a parent with this claim in the past, I have laughed in their faces, because invariably as we trace the student’s experiences with teachers previously, they have had many teachers who were “against him”. Is there a pattern??? Hummmmm..

About the teacher’s pet, there may be students who are easier to enjoy than others, and there are certainly some who have been raised to be hard-working, honest, polite, and focused (and easy to enjoy) but virtually every student has traits that can be enjoyed. I have as a goal to say something good each day to those who I suspect rarely hear good things. Some days it is a struggle…

By OldSchool

November 2, 2006 12:57 PM | Link to this

Amen, catlady, to saying something good to those students. I guess I identify with those kids because all through elementary and high school, I wore hand-me-downs and homemade clothes and, although I was active in several clubs, was never part of the “in crowd.” High school was simply 4 years to me. I was fortunate enough to have a number of teachers who challenged me and “shot straight” with me about the quality of my work. I was never belittled but I was corrected and encouraged to do my best or do it over. I always did my best because I didn’t want to give up any free time to do it over.

I want that for my students and I encourage them all to take the challenge…for their own sakes.

By V for Vendetta

November 2, 2006 01:16 PM | Link to this

I cant stand teachers’ pets. The kids who act like one, I usually end up hating them. Its the kids who do everything they are told and NEVER ask for recognition, those are the ones I will bend over backwards for. I had issues with teachers’ pets in high school, but that’s a story for another blog… :-)

By destiny

November 2, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this

@catlady - in reference to the child who had problems, if the record indicates he had problems in the past, means he was blacklisted by his previous teacher, which happens a lot to kids. Some are brats, some are not. A child can never shake the label because the teacher “Checks” the record.

By Stacey

November 2, 2006 01:39 PM | Link to this

My son went through a period of thinking one of his Pre-K teachers didn’t like him because the teacher spent all of her time dealing with the “bad kids”. From his viewpoint, so-and-so always got to sit next to the teacher instead of had to sit next to her. The kid in question was one that you had to literally keep under your thumb (picture “Problem Child” blended with “The Omen”). I explained to him that it’s punishment and not privilege to have to stay with the teacher all day.

I brought it to the teacher’s attention when we had a conference and she said that mine wasn’t the only child to feel slighted. After that, she made a point of telling the “good kids” how much she appreciated that acted like good little ladies and gentlemen. I think at that age a little pat on the back goes a long way.

By catlady

November 2, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this

Destiny, you might be right; however, most teachers I know do not have much time to be checking a student’s record. Also, things of that nature would NOT be in a permanent record anyway. I personally treat each student as a tablua rasa each year until I have a reason to do otherwise, knowing that sometimes a child changes in a positive way over the summer, or that what one teacher might not enjoy might be enjoyable to me. (For example, I enjoy children who are expressive, but other folks might find them annoying.) Happens all the time, which is a reason for starting off clean each year, unless there is a safety/legal concern.

The point is that some children and their parents use the “teacher doesn’t like me” excuse year in and year out as a reason for doing poorly, rather than developing traits that will serve well in the future: hard work, good behavior, cheerful attitude, sense of responsiblity. The best way to lose a bad “rep” is to project a different self and show folks they were wrong!

By jim d

November 2, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this

Funny thing, that lable sorrta sticks even if a kid doesn’t want it. Any child that is relatively well behaved that completes their tasks will quite often be considered a teachers pet by his peers.

It makes sense if you think about it this way. Kids that grow up having more interaction with adults early on in life, mature quicker. Naturally, some teachers interact with these kids in a more adult manner which leaves those out in the cold to surmise the teacher favors particular students(teachers pets), when in fact that is not the case at all.

By thomas

November 2, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this

Let’s take this question and twist it another way. What about students who say that the teacher doesn’t like me? I have seen far more of that being a problem that this whole teacher’s pet business. I have heard of parents make that excuse for their child’s behavior and reason for not following directions, rules, and completing assignments. I have seen this nonsense used as EARLY AS KINDERGARTEN!!!!! From kindergarten on, I have heard parents and students claim “the teacher doesn’t like my son/daughter.” Rubbish.

Teacher’s pets are not a problem that we see in school. I don’t have any since I don’t particularly take a liking to any student. They are all the same to me and are treated equally. The whole phenomenon of a teacher’s pet is usually something from brand new teacher, who doesn’t know any better. Usually it’s a newbie, straight out of the liberal brainwashing institute (college) who hasn’t learned the different between liberal (“progressive”) propaganda/dogma and reality (real life in the real world).

Once a person learns (IF SHE NEEDS TO LEARN THAT LESSON AT ALL) that you are not at school to be “friendly” with children and that school is SERIOUS business, teacher’s pets are not an issue.

By MMM

November 2, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this

I need a better definition of “teacher’s pet”.

Is it the child who attempts to do everything the teacher asks and get extra attention positive attention? (calculated effort on child’s part)

Is it the easy lovable child that the teacher admits is a joy to teach? (the child naturally loves the teacher and material without intention of hogging attention.)

By JustMe

November 2, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this

Teacher’s pet? They are all animals! (I am just kidding guys, don’t get mad at me.)

By ms b

November 2, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this

Wow, Thomas, I hope that if you are a teacher that you are retiring soon. Sounds like you are what we, young liberals, call “burnt out.” Your “I don’t particularly take a liking to any student” attitude is one of the reasons old teachers get such a bad rap. I guess your students would have to complain that “he doesn’t like ANY of us.” So, why are you here!!??

By MrLiberty

November 2, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this

Your child should only be a “pet” to one teacher and that should be you. The fact that the government steals or gets you to give up your children to their dutiful servants every day is only one of the many ways that they undermine your authority, your morality, and your role as a parent in their lives.

What needs to be happening at this time of their lives is education. Instead what is happening is indoctrination and the emotional head games that come with “teacher’s pet”, “problem child”, molestations, beatings by other students, and every other horrible thing that can be imagined that is part of the government school experience.

Homeschool your child. Show them that the most important relationship in their lives is with their parents and that you feel the same way about your relationship with them. Don’t just ship them off to be violated by the state.

By holdingAJCaccountable

November 2, 2006 05:36 PM | Link to this

Children are “blacklisted” by teachers? Let me guess…it would have NOTHING to do with the child’s behavior now would it? Any concerns listed on a record, be they conduct grades, behavior referrals, suspensions, etc. are just febble attempts by teachers to invoke the spirit of the late Sen. Joseph McCarthy. The teacher merely “misheard” it when the child said to her “f-ck you b-tch” and she simply “misfelt” it when the child physically assaulted her right?

What other POSSIBLE reason would a child’s record be noted with concerns about behavior? Because the child perhaps made some not too stellar behavior choices? What…poor behavior in public school? Balderdash!

By LB

November 2, 2006 05:55 PM | Link to this

Somehow my heart goes out to the students who are struggling to make the grade and the ones causing the most trouble. I always try to give them a thumbs up attitude and take notice when they achieve even the smallest thing. I sometimes feel like that comes across to others as favoritism but I really am not showing partiality. One guy was so mean that I went an extra mile to ask a friend of mine if he would actually hire this boy in order for him to see how challenging a job is compared to school. I just want to bring the trouble makers up to standards as much as possible and give them reason to succeed.

By Jeff

November 2, 2006 06:02 PM | Link to this

along the lines of holding:

I have a cut on my hand (deep scratch really, but it shouldn’t exist either way!) from a student throwing a stapler at me Tuesday. He threw it so hard it hit the wall about 8 feet behind me and shattered!

This kid will be back in my class tomorrow!!!!!

on topic: There are suck ups, those you feel sorry for, those you don’t have any feelings whatsoever for, and those that -yes - you don’t like. Do any of them get treated any differently? Not really. It happens, but it is RARE! And it is NOT what people think of when they think “teacher’s pet”, at least not with me. For example: I’ve got one kid who is severely mentally imbalanced - as in has been in a treatment home severe - that needs me to put him in a containment hold a few times every class so that he can concentrate. It works for him, I cleared it by mom, so its not a big deal. Some might call him a teacher’s pet, but I’m simply trying to control him so that I can actually teach!!

BTW: If anyone knows of any college level Computer Science instructor positions open, PLEASE let me know…. I’m ready to leave my current school, both over the stapler incident above and a lot of other crap going on….

By Nja

November 2, 2006 07:28 PM | Link to this

I have seen with my own eyes where teachers get word- it may be from the record or somewhere else about a students prior behavior. I have seen this happen especially when a student comes from the alternative school. What happened to being able to get a new start. We have one student who was at the alternative school and she is an absolute angel. Most of her teachers are surprised. And yes, this information is in the record. Every infraction goes onto the student discipline report. I have also had students who have transferred to another state and someone from the new school will call and say I can’t admit this student without a discipline report!!! I’m not even going to go into the injustice of that.

By jim d

November 3, 2006 08:17 AM | Link to this

Jeff,

Without meaning to be vituperative, let me say that unfortunately I had a sneaky suspicion your move to south Ga. wouldn’t be everything you had hoped for and I’m not too sure a move to college level teaching would be right either. Keep in mind that the college level educators that I know make less than most HS teachers and end up working evenings and weekends as well as teaching their regular classes. In other words they have very limited personal life’s.

None the less, I simply googled “college teaching position Computer Science� and came up with over 7 million hits.

Do yourself a favor though my friend. Re-examine why it is that you feel you want to teach. Upon doing so, if you still really feel compelled to pursue a teaching career, consider what changes you must make in your attitude to make yourself an effective teacher. Consider if you are really willing to give what it takes to be an educator. Then ask yourself if you are willing to make the sacrifices. Otherwise, consider leaving teaching and going into the public domain with your skills.

Jeff, While I’m confident you are genuinely a fine person and that your intentions are unquestionable, I think it may be time for you to do some real soul searching. I wish you the very best of luck.

By KA

November 3, 2006 08:30 AM | Link to this

I think it is fine for the teacher to show appreciation for the high performers and for anyone working hard, especially if they are struggling for grades. My kids were always among the teachers’ favorites, and I wouldn’t say Pet because that implies that they were the one and only. But there is nothing wrong with a good studenet getting praise for their diligence. When I helped in my kids’ elementary classes I found the teachers to be very professional and addressing all of the children with respect, rewarding those who did their work and dishing out consequences for those acting out or not on task. The slackers and poor behaving students did acquire a reputation, one that forewarned the teacher the next year. Every grade level has their share of good and bad, but I never thought that the bad child one year was branded forever. Rather, the teachers seemed to show a lot of compassion for kids who came from crummy homes, and who needed some intervention beyond the classroom lessons.

By MMM

November 3, 2006 08:37 AM | Link to this

Boy have we gotten off-topic here.

As the parent of two genuinely “pet-able” children, I have either had a series of teachers that get in good with me by appearing to love my children, or they are the best actors around. My older child is embarassed by this, my younger one is a little frustrated this year because his current teacher is more stern and business like—which is different that the other two teachers that have been his total lifetime expirence.

I can’t say that my kids are treated differently in class—I hope not.

By Lisa B.

November 3, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this

Obviously, some people (children included) are simply more likeable than others. Still, I try very hard to treat all my students fairly, though this doesn’t mean I provide equal time. Some students simply need more assistance. Others need more attention. I never really have “pets.” I’ve had very aggravating students who turned out to be my best writer’s (which causes them to receive abundant praise), low achieving students who were very helpful, easy to work with, never whiny, and every other type personalities you can imagine. They are all “pets” in different ways. I have never had a student I just couldn’t stand. I praise each of their individual strengths, and we work to improve weak areas (including annoying personalities). I have occassionally ended the school year thanking God that my time with a child was over, and prayed for the parents. However, it is those most difficult children I have the fondest memories for, especially when they come back to visit to tell me how I impacted their lives.

Teaching really is a great profession.

By OldSchool

November 3, 2006 09:48 AM | Link to this

Jeff, I tried to get you to try our school system but nooooooooo! Just kidding. Talk to the folks at SWGTC in Thomasville. There are other technical colleges not so far from you who might have openings or even adjunct faculty slots.

Folks, I know some of the kinds of stuff he’s dealing with. I’ve had my coffee tainted with prescription drugs; my life was threatened…in front of an assistant principal who did make the boy apologize at least; and I’ve been HUGGED. All this at the school I’ve spent 32 of my 33 years. Did I mention the boy who offered to kill himself in my lab?

It’s not Beaver Cleaver’s school years anymore but I have to believe that kindness will beget kindness and that I can and do make a smidgen of difference in my students’ lives. I care for all of them and I care about all of them. I do my crying at home and let it wash my attitude clean so the next day I can start fresh.

By Jeff

November 3, 2006 10:28 AM | Link to this

oldSchool, I’ll be at the game about a county awaqy from you tonight if you’re boreda and would like to attach a face to these posts…

By jim d

November 3, 2006 11:39 AM | Link to this

Jeff,

Here’s one in your part of the state that may still be available. You might give them a call today to see if it has been filled.

http://www.nctm.org/jobs/available_ads.asp?JobAvailableID=980&AdID=Sept06

By jim d

November 3, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this

Yo Jeff,

Check here if you are serious.

http://chronicle.com/jobs/100/700/2500/

By OldSchool

November 3, 2006 12:16 PM | Link to this

Sorry Jeff, our game is in All-beeny tomorrow night and I won’t be there. I’ve got company coming and there’s Mule Day tomorrow. So much to do and so little time…

By Reader

November 3, 2006 12:22 PM | Link to this

I was worried that my two pre-k kids were teacher’s pets. They are, of course, cute and brilliant and personable and compassionate and how could any teacher not recognize and respond to that? :) But, I’ve also watched through the window into their class and realized how wonderfully their teacher treats all the kids and how they could all honestly believe they are her pet. What a gift in a teacher!

Jeff, I was going to say a similar thing - try a Technical College. For many students, it is like 13th grade and they still act like kids. But you do get to see the rewards of your efforts much sooner, and you have many students who are starting over in their thirties, forties or even fifties, have been out on their own, and truly appreciate what an education can mean to them. And even the young ones, fresh from high school, are often so relieved to be in a setting that focuses on what they’re interested in and lets them capiltalize on their gifts.

From another South Georgia girl, where *are you and OldSchool?*

By OldSchool

November 3, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this

Dear Reader: Does “Go ‘Makers!” help?

By Reader

November 3, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this

Yes, OldSchool. And I honestly can’t remember if y’all have the pitcher or we do?

By OldSchool

November 3, 2006 01:08 PM | Link to this

Why Reader (and neighbor)…WE DO!

teehee! (for what it’s worth, we have the bucket too.)

You know, all that and a buck might get us a cuppa coffee!

By Jeff

November 3, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this

There is a tech school four miles from my apartment with a sateilite campus about 10 miles from my school. Sorry I can’t get more specific here, but feel free to email me at ajc_jeff@yahoo.com