High school teachers have always been a topic of fascination, haven't they? Just imagine a bunch of adults trying to wrangle a herd of teenagers, all at different stages of their rebellious and confusing teen years. Trust me, having been through it and now looking back with the wisdom only a university degree and three daily cups of coffee can bestow, I can attest: high school teachers deserve a special kind of appreciation. We're in 2024 now, folks, and the teacher species has only evolved, but certain "types" remain ever so familiar. They’re like those classic movie genres, always around to entertain, confuse, and sometimes, exasperate us.
The most iconic of the lot has got to be the Funny Teacher. This educator is practically a stand-up comedian in disguise, and their class often feels like an unexpected comedy show. Who could forget the hilarious Mr. Johnson, who once turned our physics lesson into a hand-puppet theater? Here’s a piece of advice when dealing with this type: laugh at their jokes (even the dad jokes) and stay engaged. It makes the class more enjoyable for everyone. For more tips on handling this character, hop over to The Funny Teacher.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is the Strict Teacher, who operates with the precision of a Swiss watch. These educators can be intimidating, but respect their structure, and they can become one of the most influential figures in your high school journey. Mrs. Grey, my math teacher, was the epitome of this type. Her rule-abiding nature initially left me quaking in my boots, but over time, I realized she was simply preparing us for the real world’s deadlines and demands. Need to know more strategies to impress these sticklers? Click to read The Strict Teacher.
Then, there’s the Laissez-Faire Teacher, the one who probably wouldn’t notice if a small parade marched through the classroom. While this type might seem like a dream come true, it can be a double-edged sword. Sure, it’s fun to relax, but it’s easy to fall behind. Fun fact: studies show that a little structure never hurt anyone. True story from my high school days: Mr. O’Brien would often use class time to catch up on grading, blissfully unaware of the world around him.
In any high school, you’ll come across a plethora of unique teacher personalities. From The Confidante, the one you can share your teenage angst with, to The Geeky Enthusiast, who knows and loves their subject in a way that’s almost infectious, each of these seven types brings something special and memorable to your educational journey.
So, sit back, grab that nostalgia-laden high school survival kit (somehow, for me, it’s purely caffeine), and prepare to delve into The Guide to High School Teacher Types. Let's navigate through these fascinating characters and figure out how to ace the game of high school with a smile!
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1. The One That Doesn’t Teach
While schools may be afraid to admit it, in each high school there is at least one teacher who is not capable of teaching their subject and transferring all of the information into the student’s brains. It might be because they are truly uninspired or because they are not knowledgeable on the subject, but either way, students end up flunking their exams. A teacher that doesn’t/can't teach might be one of the types of teachers you will have so when you do have the pleasure of having them, make sure to do a lot of self studying if you want to pass the class!
2. The Strict Teacher
You know not to kid around when your teacher has the notorious reputation for being stern, disciplinary and ‘humorless’. They don’t appreciate when you come in late to class even a couple of minutes late, give a load of homework on a daily basis and expect every student to go above and beyond. The only way to deal with this kind of teachers is to obey their rules! As long as you get on their good side and keep up the good behavior, you should be good for the year.
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The strict teacher is the one that every student dreads. They come to class on time, expect the same from their students, and assign a lot of homework. They don’t take kindly to late assignments or misbehavior. The best way to deal with this type of teacher is to obey their rules and stay on their good side. It’s important to remember that they are only trying to prepare you for the future and help you succeed. If you can stay focused and organized, you should be able to make it through the year with flying colors.
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3. The Funny Teacher
While there is a good number of hard-to-deal-with teachers, there is also a fair amount of teachers who brighten up your day and truly inspire you to strive toward greatness. They provide a bright environment in which students can learn a subject in a very entertaining and carefree manner. These are the types of teachers who eventually get through to even the most stubborn students!
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They master the art of balancing wit and wisdom in their teaching methods, often using humor to engrain complicated lessons in the minds of their students. Their classrooms echo with laughter, but also with profound discussions, making them fan-favorites. Handling their unique sense of teaching is easy—engage, enjoy, and always be prepared for a pop-quiz somewhere between the jokes. They don't just teach; they make memories that students cherish well beyond their high school years.
4. The Forgetful Teacher
Every year of high school, there is always one teacher who forgets everything: homework, tests, worksheets and deadlines. They don’t seem to be a very organized so they struggle to get their lesson plan together. However teachers are humans too and they are not perfect, so while it might be frustrating that your education is suffering because of them, show initiative and help them out. Eventually you will figure out the best way to cope with their personality and excel in their class.
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When dealing with the Forgetful Teacher, always note down assignments and important dates yourself. You might want to gently remind them or create a class calendar to share. Keep your school planner updated and perhaps offer a digital tool that could assist everyone in staying on track. Communication is key—politely inquire about anything unclear and double-check deadlines. This proactive approach not only aids the teacher but also hones your organizational skills, which will be beneficial in the long run. Remember, patience and empathy go a long way; after all, we all have our scatterbrained moments.
5. The One Who Picks Favorites
While it is not the most righteous things to do, many teachers tend to pick favorites. They bond with a few kids and unconsciously treat them differently in comparison to everyone else. Although they don’t realize it themselves, children are not oblivious to what is going on. Therefore if this is something that is happening to you, you can always be direct and bring up the subject of unfairness or try to passively deal with the problem by trying to connect with the teacher yourself.
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In addition to picking favorites, teachers may also show favoritism by giving certain students more attention or better grades. This can be especially damaging to students who are already struggling academically or socially. It is important for students to recognize when a teacher is exhibiting favoritism and to speak up if they feel they are being treated unfairly. It is also important to remember that teachers are human and may not even realize they are showing favoritism. If a student feels they are being treated unfairly, they should try to talk to their teacher and explain their feelings in a respectful way.
6. The Talkative Teacher
I’ve met countless teachers who get sidetracked into off-topic conversations in the middle of the period. While at times it’s like a blessing in the skies, other times it can be very draining. So if you have had enough of these unrelated conversations, try to reel your teacher back into the lesson by asking appropriate lesson-related questions.
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Sometimes these chatty educators can weave incredibly insightful stories that complement the class material, though swapping tales of their weekend isn't always as applicable. Still, there's a silver lining—they're usually approachable and humanize the learning experience. When you do need to steer the conversation back, a gentle nudge is better than a blunt shove. For instance, interject with, "That's really interesting, but I'm a bit puzzled about what we discussed earlier. Could you explain how it connects to..." This softly redirects the focus without dampening their spirit, maintaining a happy medium between curriculum and camaraderie.
7. The Easily Influenced Teacher
Among the sea of different types of teachers, there are also teachers who are easily influenced by the class. They don’t really show their character and don’t act like the superior adults in the class, so they allow troublemakers and other distractions get in the way of their lessons. Therefore if you are really tired of letting the class take advantage of the teacher’s personality, try to give helpful suggestions and show your teacher the reality of the situation.
High school is mainly about expanding your education, but it is also about social interactions with students and teachers. While you will be able to immediately click with some of your teachers, others will take some work. What are some of your tips on how to deal with some of these types of teachers?
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Awesome article :D
My Algebra 1 teacher is pretty sensitive sometimes, and can be annoying with her emotional issues and her whining when she assumes that students are making fun of her when they really aren't. Either that or she will take 15 seconds to explain why she needs us to be quiet every time she tells us to stop talking. It's pretty annoying! The way I deal with it is by avoiding anything that will trigger those things she does and let my younger class mates know, "hey she gets this way....don't do that because I don't want to hear her complain..." then it works out!
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Sanaa:Awesome article :D
Serenay:My Algebra 1 teacher is pretty sensitive sometimes, and can be annoying with her emotional issues and her whining when she assumes that students are making fun of her when they really aren't. Either that or she will take 15 seconds to explain why she needs us to be quiet every time she tells us to stop talking. It's pretty annoying! The way I deal with it is by avoiding anything that will trigger those things she does and let my younger class mates know, "hey she gets this way....don't do that because I don't want to hear her complain..." then it works out!
Feedback Junction
Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge