13 Things Teachers Should Never Say

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13 Things Teachers Should Never Say

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Educators need to speak carefully…

Some teachers have the gift of language down pat. They know how to use their words in a way that everyone around them feels good about themselves and motivated to do their work. However, there are some teachers out there who let their adult sense of humor and frankness go too far. What one person may think is perfectly acceptable language, another may find rude and hurtful. I asked my education colleagues and members here on TheApple to share quotes they’d heard but wish they hadn’t. Think about your words carefully, because once you’ve spoken, there’s no taking it back.

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priyajain072

about 1 month ago

6 comments

Thanks for these nice advices,they would definitely improve the education standards through teachers.
artistjan464

3 months ago

2 comments

There are ways and then there are ways of saying something. I believe a person can say just about anything if they weigh their words carefully and not just blurt out the first thing that comes to mind. When talking to students the tone is very important. If you are constantly saying things you regret it might be better to say nothing.
ricksand

3 months ago

2 comments

Never criticize another teacher or his teaching.
Never challenge the administraion or board policies even if you don;t necessarily agree with them.
eCubed

3 months ago

2 comments

That was interesting. I'm surprised those things are common enough that they're documented. Here are a few that I think are inappropriate:

1. To Student: "You are wrong."
2. Supervising teacher to student teacher: "There are just students who are better off digging ditches than being here."
3. Teacher to colleague: "You suck but not as bad as you think."
4. Teacher to colleague's student: "Why are you even in his class if you can't even [skill from a prerequisite course]?"
5. Teacher to student: "Your parents are wrong." (even if true, don't say this.)
6. Teacher to student: "(A student's classmate) is really annoying."
7. Teacher to student: "I can't believe that (a colleague) taught you that way. That's so wrong!"
8. Teacher to students: "I'm really not trained to teach this subject."
9. Teacher to students: " (person who is widely known by your students) is so hot!"
10. Supervisor to teacher: "(A colleague of yours) failed the state certification test for (endorsement)."

Honestly, I was a witness of those wherever/whenever I was as either a student, student teacher, teacher, or someone whom a parent complained to about a teacher.
bluelabador

4 months ago

4 comments

With your permission, and the permission of my principal, I would like to post these 13 gems in the teacher lounge as a source of daily reflection and motivation. (And to let the rest of the staff know about your website.
tibu720

4 months ago

26 comments

To add to this list, I have heard teachers reveal way too much about their personal lives. I think a good rule of thumb is if you have any doubt about whether or not what you are about to say is appropriate, don't say it! And don't ever say anything negative. A positive approach will do you, and your students, wonders.
Jmpc1

4 months ago

2 comments

I am sad to say I have heard almost all of these things said.
Nataliya

4 months ago

8 comments

All I've read before is completely true and lucky is that student who's never heard those things. In my country all these things are normal and it is very pity.But still there are some GOOD teachers.
sgenee

4 months ago

6 comments

I had a class ask me if they were my worst behaved class of the day. They were and probably knew it--it was the last class of the day and happened to have a lot of behavior problems grouped in a very large class. Recipe for disaster! However, I did not let on. I tried to be as truthful as possible regarding their behavior and told white lies where I thought the truth would do harm. I told them that they were a challenge, but I enjoyed teaching them. I said that it was frustrating as a teacher to want to help them succeed and to constantly be interrupted by bad behavior. This is a very succinct version of what I said, but I really feel that if I admitted they were terrible, it would reinforce their already bad behavior (some sort of weird pride in being the worst) or demotivate them to be any better.
zohair

4 months ago

6 comments

All these are real world facts. They can only be exercised by teachers who believe in professionality.
Janelleio27

4 months ago

4 comments

The majority of these things are things you should automatically know not to say. If you need to be told not to say them, than you shouldn't be teaching.
jczap2

4 months ago

2 comments

I have another one to add to this list of great no-no's: a student went to speak with their teacher about a below average grade they were concerned about going into the final exam. They were hoping for advice on how they might do better on the final than their past exams. Instead of some study suggestions or words of wisdom they were told - Don't worry you will pass this class it is the next level of classes you will fail. Talk about trauma - they indeed passed the class but the anxiety surrounding the next year was awful!
majormixer

4 months ago

4 comments

This is very interesting and I have to say that I am impressed. A site like this is absolutely necessary for exchange of ideas and attitude towards teaching. I myself grew up in a Military Academy and the US Army. Teaching in the military is a little different than that of civilians. Insulting and demeaning is actually a test of personal integrity and will. The ones who can't handle it will never become military.
I am not condoling this practice for teaching civilians. Most important of all # 13 is absolutely true. If you have no faith and dedication in what you are doing, people will notice, especially your students.

Sincerely,

Jason Maltz ( google )
US Army Cold War Signal Corp. ( inactive )
US Army Force Protection, Threat Detection and Communications Specialist ( inactive )
degraaff

4 months ago

4 comments

The following quote comes from a math teacher I had, and never forgot. The lesson is to never insult another person in public. This is another line never to verbalize out loud to anyone. "You need to know math so you can get good deals. One time I purchased a car from _____________(insert real name of person) I saw advertised in the classified adds. I had added other second hand purchases to it, and could quickly add the total price in my head. The seller was unable to do that and so used a calculator. He got the total wrong when he inadvertently added the wrong figures into the calculator. I got a great deal because he was so stupid he couldn't even get the addition correct with a calculator! I never told him and walked away with a score." The insulted seller in this situation was a relative of mine. I could not believe that this math teacher would go so far as to name the individual that he cheated by not being honest about the mistake. That teacher, while great at math, is terrible with people and immediately lost my respect. Though I still see him frequently, I seldom speak to him.
starkcynthia

4 months ago

2 comments

"Never say: you're smart, I know you can do very well if you just apply yourself. Chances are the child who has proven he can do well is making his best effort, and if he isn't learning or producing the work you expect, then you as his teacher need to modify your teaching or assignments so he can.