How do I handle a teacher who seems to dislike me?
A couple of months ago, I had to leave school early due to feeling unwell, but I returned for a mandatory meeting. On my way out, I encountered a teacher who noticed me even though I hadn’t been in his class earlier that day. Later, I approached him to ask if I could make up an assignment for which I received a 0/20, but he responded in a passive-aggressive manner, questioning whether I had been on campus. I panicked and said no. He handed me the assignment, but when I followed up with the attendance office, they emailed him, making it sound like I was accusing him of blocking me from making it up. He then sent me a screenshot of their email exchange, and I apologized, but he didn’t respond.
Since then, his attitude towards me has been somewhat petty. For instance, today, even though he knew I wasn’t in class, he awarded everyone “thank you for being here” points, while I received a 0/10, which dropped my grade to a C. I understand that I made mistakes, but it’s been nearly three months, and I just want to move on. I feel really awkward and uncomfortable with his behavior towards me, and although I’d like to drop the class, it’s too late for that. What should I do?
It sounds like you’re in a tough situation, and it’s understandable that you feel frustrated and uncomfortable. Here are some steps you might consider:
Reflect on the Situation: Take a moment to think about how things escalated. Acknowledge your part in it, but also recognize that his behavior has not been professional.
Communicate Directly: If you feel comfortable, consider approaching the teacher to have a private conversation. Be honest about how you’re feeling, and ask if there’s a way to move forward. Express that you want to focus on improving your performance in class.
Document Everything: Keep records of your interactions, grades, and any assignments. This can be useful if you need to escalate the situation later.
Talk to a Counselor or Administrator: If his behavior continues to affect you negatively, it may be helpful to speak to a school counselor or administrator. They can provide guidance and may intervene if necessary.
Focus on Your Work: Try to redirect your energy into your other assignments and studies. Improving your grades can help shift your focus away from the negative experience.
Consider Other Options: If the situation doesn’t improve and it’s impacting your mental well-being, discuss alternative options with your school guidance counselor. They might help you explore different classes or solutions.
Remember, you deserve to have a supportive learning environment, so don’t hesitate to seek help if you need it!