I’m really uncomfortable with my new form tutor, Mr. L. To give some background: I’m in Year 8 (F), and we got Mr. L at the start of the school year when our old tutor, Mr. O, became Head of Year. Mr. L is also my geography teacher. At first, he seemed to favor me since I behave well in class, but as time went on, his strict and often unfair rules really turned me against him—like when he keeps the entire class after school if one person talks.
I’ve noticed he seems to favor the girls for no good reason, despite us not misbehaving as much. It’s strange; whenever he mentions a girl’s name, he looks them up and down, almost like he’s checking them out. There was one concerning incident where he touched a Year 7 girl’s hand. I initially thought it was accidental, but then I learned from her friend that he had rubbed her hand intentionally.
There’s also a Year 7 who used to go to my primary school; she was called into his room alone and came out crying, her eyes all red. I don’t know what happened, but it felt really off. With me, he stands far too close when talking. He also discussed my friend’s family issues in front of the whole class and made an odd comment about her roses on Valentine’s Day, like he was looking for attention.
Mr. L treats me differently than others—he lets me get away with things that he reprimands other students for, like when I was caught chewing gum; he just laughed it off. I feel really uncomfortable around him.
When we reported Mr. L to Mr. O about his unprofessional behavior, he dismissed our concerns and said we were the issue. He has also openly suggested that several students get tested for ADHD and autism, but instead of talking to their parents privately, he just mentioned it to the kids in a mocking way.
Mr. L often lectures us, telling us to “shut up,” and he even called my friend stupid for brushing her hair. One time, he pulled me out of class just to criticize my friend for doing her homework during his lesson. When I told him I didn’t care, he got upset and later guilt-tripped me for sharing what he said with her.
He’s even tried to imply that I should be responsible for other students’ behavior, as if I’m their parent! He claims we should already know geography answers because we have the internet.
Once, he kept me after class for joking with a friend, and he also brought religion into discussions in ways that felt disrespectful. He punished a girl for retaliating against a boy who kicked her first but let the boy go unpunished. When discussing my friend, he tried to silence me by saying I shouldn’t have told her what he said, which felt manipulative.
He gives off a really creepy vibe, and I just can’t stand him. What should I do about this situation?
It sounds like you’re in a really difficult situation, and I’m sorry to hear about everything you’re experiencing with Mr. L. It’s important to feel safe and respected at school, and from what you’ve described, his behavior is crossing some serious boundaries.
Here are some steps you can consider taking:
Talk to Someone: It’s essential to speak to a trusted adult, whether it’s a parent, guardian, or another teacher. Sharing your concerns can help them understand the situation better and guide you on what to do next.
Document Everything: Keep a record of specific incidents, including dates, what was said or done, and any witnesses. This information can be valuable if you decide to report him.
Report It: If you feel safe doing so, you should report Mr. L’s behavior to someone in a position of authority at your school, like a counselor or the Head of Year. If Mr. O isn’t taking your concerns seriously, try to find another adult who will.
Get Support: Talk to your friends about your feelings and see if they share your concerns. A united front can sometimes make it easier to address these issues with adults.
Trust Your Feelings: Your discomfort around Mr. L is valid. It’s crucial to trust your instincts about people, especially when their behavior seems inappropriate or makes you feel uneasy.
Explore Other Resources: Some schools have an anonymous reporting system for students to express their concerns about staff behavior. Check if your school has this option.
Your feelings are important, and you deserve to have a safe and supportive learning environment. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help and ensure that you have the right support in place.