School memories

Hi, there!
I'm a new user in the AvPD subforum, but I'm also a Preschool and Primary teacher who is doing some research and putting into practise a new approach to set up the right enviroment for learners ( my little kids) feel confident, motivated and psychological well-being.

So, it would be very helpfull for me if you take a little time and tell me a little about your experiences in school. How were your relation with your teachers and peers.

How they treated you. If you had a possitive experience with a teacher or on the contrary, you never forget some thing a teacher did in relation to you.

I'm not very prone to ask questions, I'd rather you express yourself whatever about the topic.

Thank you in advance!

First, i have great respect for teachers it is not an easy profession especially now! My daughter is studying to be a teacher. I believe strongly that a positive ,nurturing environment is essential for students, especially young ones. Sometimes the classroom experIence is the only time a child can feel safe and respected. Fortunately for myelf and my children we have had good experiences with our educators. A positive creative teacher can be quite motivating to students. I remember one of my teachers in grade school who was very intimidating. She was stern, yelled a lot, and was openly critical of students in front of other students. That year I missed a lot of time from school. If she made you cry or upset you she would pick on you more. It was my worst year and my grades were ok but not as good as they should of been. Back then I wouldn't dare to tell on the teacher for fear of retaliation!!! Sunday nights where anxiety provoking because I would have to deal with her again!!!! Luckily i didn't have to many teachers like her. On the other hand I wanted to do well for the kind and encouraging teachers because it made me feel great to earn their praise. Good luck with your research and for shaping positive young minds!

Hi, i have just also recently joined here and am in Uni at the moment, I had good relationships and bad relationships with teachers, some where I could tell them all my problems and not feel ashamed to do so and some where I couldnt stand to be in the same room as, because of the way they spoke to me. If a teacher was patient, understanding and listened to me then i felt comfortable with them but when a teacher is impatient and is quick to jump to conclusions due to this then it disrupts the relationship and makes it very difficult. I did not have a lot of friends at school, nor do i have many now but the ones I made were clearly the ones who were most important as they are still with me now and one has even come to the same University as me I think the best piece of advice to give to a teacher is that they should always listen to the student/child because if they never show a sense of trust towards the child or care then it can effect the child a lot as the teacher is who they look up to and who they spend a lot of time with so patience is key. Where I went to school, I was bullied quite badly for a number of years, my parents still dont know about it now but everytime i went and spoke to someone about it to explain, I was never listened to or helped. It has really effected my confidence and self esteem when making new friends and whether they actually like spending time with me or not or if they find me annoying. I think if I had better support back then and someone to listen and take me seriously then I wouldnt feel like this now.

Vaseline, I also want to say good luck for your daughter. I think she chose the best profession in the world.

Thank you for sharing your experiences. It's really insightfull.

I'm also like you, I never had a problem with any of my teachers. They were all caring. I neither had a teacher who yell at me like you.

Thank you!

I once had a teacher sternly ask me if the bathroom visit I requested was an emergency. I didn't know what an emergency was so I said no. A minute later, guess what happened. Try not to use words kids don't understand and always let them go to the bathroom when they ask.

Edit: To clarify, to me at that age, an emergency was something that needed the police or fire truck. I had no experience with that word vis a vis a bathroom urge. And all these years later I hate that teacher and I hope she reincarnates in a very unfortunate way.

The same teacher: there was a Christmas play and I was excited and wanted a part in it. Instead she put me in back with a triangle to play, I don't think she even let me sing. My heavens I hate her guts.

So if you have anything like a play, let each child feel important and loved especially if they only get a tiny part. I'm so glad school is far behind me. There are so many ways to screw kids up by default.

I understand you. Thank you for sharing.