Education & Career

What is your definition of a “mean” teacher?

So I’m a new teacher and some other teachers describes me as nice because I’m don’t use a firm voice. I just want kids to like me but most don’t. The teacher I work with is very sweet, kind, feisty but she is very firm, tough and determined. She doesn’t let the kids slide on anything, calls them out on their junk and has high expectations.
Kids don’t really listen to me but they don’t push or shove me. They quickly move out of the way when I come. One kid always drops down on the ground when I’m near him, but the he listens to the other two teachers. He moves away when I come near. I work in a special education classroom. One of my teachers said that I’m very intimidating, I seem quiet and cold and quite frankly, the kids will think you don’t want to talk to them. Because you’re so tall she when you charge at them, they get scared. Only because some are runners. Plus he probably doesn’t like you. That’s okay because not every kid will like you. You need to stand firm and make them earn things. They need to learn that life doesn’t come for free.”

I am 5’11 and a big girl. Size 22/24W and I’m not telling you my height.
One time I gave a kid his cookies but the teacher stopped and told me to make him use his device, make him use his manners or he doesn’t get it. She told me to stop giving in and be tough. Put my foot down and use that mama voice if needed, stop trying so hard and let the kids figure it out.

Kids won’t listen.

The other two teaches are petite (4’9 and 5’1) and I’m this giant that kids won’t even look at me.
Some try to outsize the small teachers, but never me.

What is your definition of a “mean” teacher?
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