Strict, lazy and nice - traits of your teachers


Arianne Hammond, Youthlink Writer

Wouldn't it be great if all teachers were enthusiastic, relatable and, above all, cool? That would make the learning process so much easier. Fifteen-year-old Suzette Powell has identified three categories of teachers: the strict ones, the lazy ones and the nice ones. Here's how she suggests we deal with each.

Suzette tells us that:

The strict ones are the most obvious to spot; it's written across their faces. They hardly smile, they take no excuse, they are usually are the ones in charge of punishment and they make sure we serve our time.

"Find out what makes these teachers tick, and once you realise what makes them angry, DO NOT DO IT. Just do as you are told and follow all the teachers' instructions. Be the best you can be and try to earn their respect by giving the utmost to them."

Youthlink doesn't encourage you run scared from these teachers; respect is all they require to carry out their duties. Do as you are told to avoid their wrath and to save yourself embarrassment and punishment.

The lazy ones are usually late for class and, in some cases, often times don't show up at all. When they do appear, they are frequently ill-prepared and make up for it by engaging the students in conversations that have very little to do with the subject matter. They hardly care for the students and barely make the effort to learn their names.

Managing the lazy teacher

"Do work on you own for this subject or get help about a topic that you may not understand from another teacher. Respectfully talk to a teacher you can confide in about the issues you are having with your teacher, especially if your grades are suffering. Don't be rude or disrespectful when addressing your concerns to the other teacher."

Teachers talk to each other, and if you take your concern to another teacher, your teacher may hear about it and, more than likely, will want to defend him/herself against your accusations. He or she may become difficult, but this shouldn't affect you negatively. Just do the necessary work outside of that class's time so that your academic performance won't be completely ruined by this one subject.

The nice ones have pleasant and agreeable written all over their faces. They are approachable and you feel at ease around them. They usually like to talk with their students and know each one by name. They genuinely care if you pass or fail.

"Know that there are boundaries with these teachers, even though they may be nice. Just keep in mind that they are trying to be cool with their students in order to relate to them and the subject matter better. Just do as you are told and remember the boundaries in place."

These teachers just want to make the school experience better for you. They hope that you'll feel comfortable enough to approach them with any problems you may be experiencing in any aspect of your life. Remain respectful and, at all times, remember that whatever they do is for your own benefit. Work hard in their classes so that they can give you the grade you deserve.