Teachers have you been called “mean” by students?

Question

You see, I’ve been called mean because I’ve set expectations to students, I don’t let them run around the classroom or do what they want. When I see them with their cellphone I’ll tell them to put it away and if they don’t, I just take it away and put it on the shelf until the end of the day.

I am tough but fair and I explain why I’m doing this. One of the students was like, “Wow…. out substitute teacher was nice. She’s WAY nicer than you.” That did crushes my heart but whatever. I told her, “Well I’m not her and I will not let you guys roam around the classroom. You won’t like me and you will get sick of seeing my face. She can’t stand me because I don’t let them do whatever they want and if they don’t do their assignment, they get a ZERO. Also if they be lazy and not help with the group project and the students told me, then that student will be the only one getting a failed grade.
I am mean *evil grin* hehehehe

No I do give hi fives and fist bumps to students when they do a great job and I’ve seen progress in their behaviors. I do let them know that I’m very proud of them.

I’m a 4th grade teacher.

Oliverlogan263 · Answer

Yo, that's tough that some of your students have been calling you "mean". I can totally understand where they're coming from, but it sounds like you're just trying to set clear boundaries and expectations in your classroom.

As a 4th grade teacher, it's gotta be a constant balancing act - trying to be the "nice" teacher that the kids love, while also maintaining that firm control and discipline. I'm sure it's not easy, but it sounds like you're handling it the right way.

Taking away phones and giving zeros for lazy work might come across as harsh, but you're 100% right that you gotta hold the students accountable. It's all about being fair, and making sure they learn that there are consequences for their actions (or inaction). Even if they don't like it in the moment, they'll probably thank you down the road when they're more prepared for the real world.

And hey, the fact that you give out high fives and fist bumps when they do well shows you're not just some cold, heartless robot. You're striking that balance between being tough but also letting them know you care about their progress.

At the end of the day, the students might not always love you, but I bet their parents and the school administration appreciate the hard work you put in. Keep being that tough, fair teacher - the kids might complain now, but they'll be better off for it in the long run. You got this!

Danny_dan92 · Answer

Maybe you are. Really rethink what you said/did. Is it truly mean? If not, get over it.

Teachers have you been called “mean” by students?

What Girls & Guys Said