Monster Teacher

My son has a teacher who terrifies him. He is afraid to approach her. Won't raise his hand to volunteer answers and keeps his head down every time he enters her class. Now, I ask you... what causes a teacher to become terrifying?

I know not one teacher enters this career with the goal of intimidating students. We work hard in college and in graduate school to become teachers. We battle school districts, proficiency testing, common core and every other barrier on behalf of the well-being of our students. So, why do some of us suddenly become the Monster Teacher?

I have known some of these teachers in my career in education. They yell at the kids all of the time. Frown all bell. Use derision and contempt. Burn-out?

When I was a student, I was terrified of all of my teachers. But, that was more about my fear of authority than anything else. I was actually surprised when a teacher treated me with kindness and respect. Teachers in the 1970's and 80's weren't known for being the most kind people on the planet, though. And dynamics in the classroom were much different than they are today. When I attended a parochial pre-school, the nuns still spanked and wacked our knuckles with rulers. Of course, I was afraid of all of my teachers. Even through college.

So, when I became a teacher, I promised myself to be the lovingkindness teacher. I believe in treating each child with dignity and respect for the little people they are and the adults they are becoming. And I'm not the exception to the rule. Most of the teachers I know are the same. Kind. Considerate. Encouraging.

But, there are still a generation of Monster Teachers who are in the classroom. And it breaks my heart. Good thing my kid has a Mommy who is not afraid to ROAR back.