Sunday, December 18, 2005
Dissed by the Science Teacher
Dear Guidance Guy,
I think my science teacher hates me. I'm a good kid. I'm quiet and always respectful. It's just that whenever I have my hand up she totally ignores me, and will go to me last, if she does at all.
When I do ask her questions, her answers are never clear and they make me even more confused. And a few days ago I went in after school to ask her a question, and the next day she told the class about "one of her students" asking her a really stupid question, and the whole class laughed. They didn't know it was me, but still I was upset that she would be telling me that it was a stupid question. I don't think it was, I was just confused.
So I don't know what to do, My grade keeps getting lower and lower because she won't help me. I don't want to ask any more questions because I'm afraid she'll just hate me more for asking
"stupid" questions. My parents (who are also teachers) aren't on my side, and think I'm exaggerating the truth, but I'm not.
What should I do?
Sincerely,
A confused 8th grader
*****
Dear Confused,
Wow, this is a tough one! It looks like you've done everything right up to this point. This could just be one of those difficult teachers. They are out there. Fortunately there aren't too many of them.
Let's take this step by step. First, go back and make sure you have everything correct. When people are upset they do tend to exaggerate - not on purpose. Do you have a friend in the class who can tell you what he or she sees? If so, ask if it seems like she's picking on you.
Second, you can try and talk with her after class. One thing that might work is to tell her about how you felt when she said someone asked a stupid question. You might find out she
wasn't talking about you. But if she was, I'm guessing she won't make that mistake again.
Third, you can talk to a school counselor about what's happening. Many counselors will talk with teachers with you, or maybe even for you. Sometimes teachers hear things from counselors easier than they do kids. At least you can tell your counselor how you feel.
Last, talk to your parents about extra help. If you don't feel comfortable with your teacher, maybe there is a tutoring program at your school. Since your parents are teachers, maybe
THEY will be able to help.
Don't worry too much. You seem like a bright kid who will find a way to fix this problem. My guess is that it will get better soon as long as you try some of the things I suggest.
Thanks for a great letter,
The Guidance Guy
I think my science teacher hates me. I'm a good kid. I'm quiet and always respectful. It's just that whenever I have my hand up she totally ignores me, and will go to me last, if she does at all.
When I do ask her questions, her answers are never clear and they make me even more confused. And a few days ago I went in after school to ask her a question, and the next day she told the class about "one of her students" asking her a really stupid question, and the whole class laughed. They didn't know it was me, but still I was upset that she would be telling me that it was a stupid question. I don't think it was, I was just confused.
So I don't know what to do, My grade keeps getting lower and lower because she won't help me. I don't want to ask any more questions because I'm afraid she'll just hate me more for asking
"stupid" questions. My parents (who are also teachers) aren't on my side, and think I'm exaggerating the truth, but I'm not.
What should I do?
Sincerely,
A confused 8th grader
*****
Dear Confused,
Wow, this is a tough one! It looks like you've done everything right up to this point. This could just be one of those difficult teachers. They are out there. Fortunately there aren't too many of them.
Let's take this step by step. First, go back and make sure you have everything correct. When people are upset they do tend to exaggerate - not on purpose. Do you have a friend in the class who can tell you what he or she sees? If so, ask if it seems like she's picking on you.
Second, you can try and talk with her after class. One thing that might work is to tell her about how you felt when she said someone asked a stupid question. You might find out she
wasn't talking about you. But if she was, I'm guessing she won't make that mistake again.
Third, you can talk to a school counselor about what's happening. Many counselors will talk with teachers with you, or maybe even for you. Sometimes teachers hear things from counselors easier than they do kids. At least you can tell your counselor how you feel.
Last, talk to your parents about extra help. If you don't feel comfortable with your teacher, maybe there is a tutoring program at your school. Since your parents are teachers, maybe
THEY will be able to help.
Don't worry too much. You seem like a bright kid who will find a way to fix this problem. My guess is that it will get better soon as long as you try some of the things I suggest.
Thanks for a great letter,
The Guidance Guy
