[Bural21]

Today in my math class my teacher told us all to sit down because she has reviewing to do - with only 60, or less, seconds left of class. I simply said that we have other classes to go to and we'll get detention if we're late (that's how my school personally works), and her only response was "Shut up and do as I say."

Mind you, this teacher was new as of last year. She is a poor teacher and has had more then 65% of her students complain about her along with parents. She is a poor teacher when the principal is not sitting in on the class, however, once the principal comes in she can suddenly teach and is as nice as a flower.

I'm a senior this year, and need the final year to graduate - if I don't pass I'm stuck in school for another year so I don't know what to do. I've already looked into taking a different math course, however with my schedule I cannot. I don't know what to do. How can I prove she's a mouthy witch along with a horrible teacher if she puts on a complete façade once her boss is in the room?

Help me tackle this please, I want to graduate!! :(

[Fr_Chuck]

Well she should not have to, since students should not be talking.

If it was still class time, why did you expect to be released early

While most likely should have been said nicer, wish more teachers would say it and get the students to shut up and listen in class more.

[starfirefly]

Talk to the principal about it

[Clough]

Having been a teacher for a number of years, I do know where you're coming from, Bural21!

Your teachers' use of the words "shut up" was probably not the best choice of words to use because it has caused a commotion in at least one of her students, that being you. Without knowing how the class overall was behaving at the time, it is difficult to arrive at the most correct answer for you, though.

Given the state of most classroom situations and students now, using those words might have had more impact and effect than using others that might be considered to be more polite and of the proper etiquette.

She has her job to do, you have yours to do also, and that would be to complete school successfully, and hopefully graduating with the rest of your friends.

So, my advice to you is to stick things out, do the best that you can without causing some sort of "scene" because a teacher might not have used the best choice of words that she could have.

I would also put myself in her place, if I were you, and think how you might have handled a situation if you were "in her shoes" and with knowing about everything else that she might have to deal with in her own life as well as dealing with the situations she encounters at school. You do, of course, expect teachers to take into consideration the things with which you have to deal in your own life as well as what you have to do in school. Correct?

Really, we all need to be giving others a break and understanding where they are coming from if they are hard-working and trying to do the best that they can.

Concerning the rankings that you have given this teacher, I'm wondering from where it is that you get your figures?

I'm sure that it's not only the teacher that is "on her toes" but also the students, when the principal is in the room!

[sGt HarDKorE]

I have a very bad teacher too, and its so frustrating because he's the teacher of my advanced class. We talk more about wrestling than math. And he's the only teacher who teaches that class so I'm stuck with him too. You need to realize that in real life you can't choose who is your boss or who is your supervisor. Get a tutor or pay attention more. Just live out the semester, (dont u change classes at the semester?). And all my teachers say shut up and swear at kids. Teachers have to be tough on the kids or they will get destroyed especailly her being a new teacher. Ask her more questions have school or before school if you need help

[danielnoahsmommy]

I am now a stay at home mom but I was a math specialist for a while. Children nowadays, think they no more than the teachers. Some teachers such as this may have a problem with classroom management. Her teaching skills need to be worked on but that does not make her a bad teacher just not experienced. It is early in the year and she has probably over 100 student to get to know.

Wise up and "shut up" and maybe this teacher will "teach " you something that no other could.

A little respect goes a long way!

[DoulaLC]

If she has had that many complaints, the principal is already well aware of the concerns. Speak to the teacher of your next class and let them know that there may be times where your previous teacher is still going over material and you will likely be late on account of it.
I fully understand the frustration of the teacher, but a better choice of words could be used. I'll tell you that many more teachers probably think it from time to time, they just don't say it! Most people would be amazed what many classrooms are like today. As was said, respect goes both ways, but there simply will be times where some students who do behave will get caught up in the reprimanding of those who don't.
Do your best to stay above the fray... but do what you can to make sure your education does not suffer due to a few misbehaving students.
I don't know if people were starting to pack up and leave, or what the exact situation was, but she may have had more time to review if she didn't have to get some students back on task first.

[Bural21]

Just to add - with my comment, I think it was reasonable. Class was due to get out at 1:22, the clock said 1:24... so I don't think I was out of line...

[DoulaLC]

Just to add - with my comment, I think it was reasonable. Class was due to get out at 1:22, the clock said 1:24... so I don't think I was out of line...

I would agree, it would be reasonable... maybe she simply lost track of the time. Was it a one off, or does it happen frequently? Were students misbehaving during class so time was taken from going over as much material as was planned for? She lost her cool... maybe some kids were not behaving during class time, maybe she was having a bad day, etc..

If it happens often, then certainly let your next teacher be aware of the situation... perhaps he/she can say something to this teacher. If it was this one time, I'd let it slide, although I wouldn't want to be told to "shut up and do as I say" either... not professional, but teachers are people too and will make mistakes. Right or wrong, they are often held to a higher standard of behavior and in many of today's classrooms that can be quite a challenge at times.
This doesn't excuse the language used, but perhaps offers possible reasons for it.

[Xenosis]

If you really want to prove this to the principal, get a recording device and keep it on the whole class (hidden of course). That way you will have absolute concrete proof of her behavior.

However, from what you've said, she doesn't seem like a horrible monster. She may be "mean", but if she gets the information in your brain then she's done her job. If the environment is stopping you from learning then speak to your counselors or adminstrators about going to another class, even if it would cause a schedule conflict.

[Wondergirl]

Today in my math class my teacher told us all to sit down because she has reviewing to do - with only 60, or less, seconds left of class. I simply said that we have other classes to go to and we'll get detention if we're late (that's how my school personally works), and her only response was "Shut up and do as I say."

Mind you, this teacher was new as of last year. She is a poor teacher and has had more then 65% of her students complain about her along with parents. She is a poor teacher when the principal is not sitting in on the class, however, once the principal comes in she can suddenly teach and is as nice as a flower.

I'm a senior this year, and need the final year to graduate - if I don't pass I'm stuck in school for another year so I don't know what to do. I've already looked into taking a different math course, however with my schedule I cannot. I don't know what to do. How can I prove she's a mouthy witch along with a horrible teacher if she puts on a complete facade once her boss is in the room?

Help me tackle this please, I want to graduate!!! :(

I'm guessing when you noticed there were only a few minutes left of class, you gathered up your stuff, stood up, and said what you did. Doesn't the class wait until it's told it may leave?

If you're late to the next class, tell the teacher why, but be darn sure you didn't lollygag your way to that class.

I'd like to know what makes her a "poor teacher" and a "mouthy witch." Is it because she is dealing with students who have senioritis? Do the students suddenly shape up too when the principal waltzes in?

[Bural21]

I'm guessing when you noticed there were only a few minutes left of class, you gathered up your stuff, stood up, and said what you did. Doesn't the class wait until it's told it may leave?

If you're late to the next class, tell the teacher why, but be darn sure you didn't lollygag your way to that class.

I'd like to know what makes her a "poor teacher" and a "mouthy witch." Is it because she is dealing with students who have senioritis? Do the students suddenly shape up too when the principal waltzes in?

With our school we don't really wait. I bell rings when the class is over, and we're given 3 minutes to get to our next class. She is a poor teacher because she just doesn't teach. We walk into the classroom and we don't take notes or have a lesson. She jumps directly into the assignment rather then telling us how to do it. We took a test 2 weeks ago and the highest score was a 40/100. Shouldn't that be saying something? The class is a mixture of seniors and juniors. Some of us may have senioritis, however I know I don't... yet. And when the principal is in the class, the students all act the same. We're a relatively tame class... we just as a whole are fed up with not learning anything and all of us failing the class.

[Wondergirl]

With our school we don't really wait. I bell rings when the class is over, and we're given 3 minutes to get to our next class. She is a poor teacher because she just doesn't teach. We walk into the classroom and we don't take notes or have a lesson. She jumps directly into the assignment rather then telling us how to do it. We took a test 2 weeks ago and the highest score was a 40/100. Shouldn't that be saying something? The class is a mixture of seniors and juniors. Some of us may have senioritis, however I know I don't...yet. And when the principal is in the class, the students all act the same. We're a relatively tame class... we just as a whole are fed up with not learning anything and all of us failing the class.

Three minutes to get to the next class?? Neither I nor my kids had only three minutes to get from one class to the other.

So the thing you do is walk out of a class before the bell rings?

Has any student or, better yet, a group of students met with this teacher, or even with the teacher and principal about the learning environment in her class? Is there a guidance counselor or social worker assigned to you? This kind of meeting is called a staffing. Ask for one. You don't have to be a victim.

[Fr_Chuck]

Well get ready for college, at least a lot of the classes, teachers will come in, start writing on the blackboard and will continue till the end of class,

Or the teachers don't even bother showing up a lot and their student assistants read the material prepared.

This teacher most likely teaches differently, and students are not putting in the work or the effort to learn.

But yes, sounds like the kids still need to be put in their place.

[DoulaLC]

Three minutes is not nearly enough time... what if a class is at the other end of the campus? What if a student needs to stop in the restroom? If three minutes is all you have, maybe it needs to be taken up with the administration, because my guess is you only have three minutes, there are no doubt a large number of students tardy to classes.

If truly the entire class is failing at this point, and you don't feel that you are learning anything, as a group speak to the administration.

As Fr_Chuck said, the teacher may have a different teaching style and it might take getting used to, but if you know she jumps right in, than perhaps you will need to take the initiative and read through the chapter in the book on your own. While she presents the assignment, ask questions if it is something you don't understand. Sometimes teachers will take students step by step, but other times they feel students should take more responsibility for their education and look the information up themselves.

There are some poor teachers... which is unfortunate, but you have a few options:

Speak to the administration, have a parent voice concerns, see a counselor about having your schedule changed (yes, I know it can be a hassle), make an appointment to speak to the teacher directly about not understanding the lessons and ask if she could go over it a bit more prior to giving an assignment (this would be the first step! ), seek tutoring if the information is difficult for you, take on more of the reading of the lesson yourself, learn to adjust to the situation.

[v1033]

If you really want to prove this to the principal, get a recording device and keep it on the whole class (hidden of course). That way you will have absolute concrete proof of her behavior.

However, from what you've said, she doesn't seem like a horrible monster. She may be "mean", but if she gets the information in your brain then she's done her job. If the environment is stopping you from learning then speak to your counselors or adminstrators about going to another class, even if it would cause a schedule conflict.

Before you do something like that think how you would feel if your teacher taped you and then played it to your parents?
I wouldn't like someone secretly taping me in any situation!

She shouldn't tell you to shut up but if it's a one off she'll probably reflect on what happened and think of a better solution.

[chsracowgirl182]

With our school we don't really wait. I bell rings when the class is over, and we're given 3 minutes to get to our next class. She is a poor teacher because she just doesn't teach. We walk into the classroom and we don't take notes or have a lesson. She jumps directly into the assignment rather then telling us how to do it. We took a test 2 weeks ago and the highest score was a 40/100. Shouldn't that be saying something? The class is a mixture of seniors and juniors. Some of us may have senioritis, however I know I don't...yet. And when the principal is in the class, the students all act the same. We're a relatively tame class... we just as a whole are fed up with not learning anything and all of us failing the class.

I had a math teacher like that.
What we did was stuck through it (passed notes, goofed off in class) but would go to other teachers for help, the math teacher that tought the next level, then the math tutor. As long as you were writing, she thought you were doing your class work and would give you points for it.

I would just say. Ignore (to a point) the teacher, and find a tutor to help you with your class.

-don't get it TOO much trouble :D

[xxariesxx]

Well get ready for college, at least a lot of the classes, teachers will come in, start writing on the blackboard and will continue till the end of class,

Or the teachers don't even bother showing up alot and their student assistants read the material prepared.

This teacher most likely teaches differently, and students are not putting in the work or the effort to learn.

But yes, sounds like the kids still need to be put in thier place.

Haha. I totally agree with this. I'm in college now, and it's not abnormal for classes to run a little late (as in more than 2 minutes... ). But a student would NEVER disrupt class and tell the professor that they have to leave. That is extremely disrespectful.

In your case wouldn't a better option be to tell your principal or the other administration if it really bothers you? If you're going to be late to the class after hers, tell the teacher in that class the situation so that they can expect that you may be a few minutes late and that it is not your fault.

[obeyalex456]

I feel teachers should not tell us to shut up if that's the case can we tell them to shut up?