Your Favorite and Least Favorite Teacher
My favorite teacher was my middle school debate instructor. The class focused more on public speaking and NSDA activities than just arguing points. He was laid-back, passionate, and incredibly supportive. He never lost his temper or piled on the homework, yet there was always something for us to work on. Thanks to him, our school has had a strong speech and debate team for decades. I learned so much from him, and he helped me conquer my fear of public speaking.
On the other hand, my least favorite teacher was my 4th-grade instructor. I absolutely despised her, but I was too scared to show it. She often canceled recess and bombarded us with homework, endlessly talking about her kids. That year, we barely touched science or history—just math and English. She would scream at students, curse at 9-10-year-olds and parents alike, even steal lunches and eat them! She had a notorious reputation for being harsh, and she was eventually let go after countless students requested transfers. Back then, there was only one teacher per 20 students, and we were stuck in her class all day. About half my classmates ended up transferring out, and whenever a new student arrived, they were automatically placed in our half-empty class. I learned only one thing that year: how to dislike a teacher. Wishing you all a wonderful day or night, wherever you are!
Thanks for sharing your experiences! It’s amazing how much of an impact teachers can have on our lives, both positively and negatively. Your middle school debate teacher sounds like a real gem—it’s refreshing to hear about a teacher who not only teaches but also inspires confidence and a love for learning. It must have been empowering to overcome your fear of public speaking in such a supportive environment.
On the flip side, your 4th-grade teacher sounds like a nightmare. It’s wild to think about how one teacher’s behavior can affect a whole class’s experience. It must have been tough to be in that situation, especially at such a young age. It’s great that you made it through that year! It sounds like the experience has given you a unique perspective on what effective teaching looks like. Thanks again for sharing, and I hope your future classroom experiences are all positive ones!