High School Teachers Are Truly Frustrating
Alright, let’s be real. High school teachers can be incredibly frustrating.
I’m in grade 12, and my grades really matter, but it feels like the teachers grading my work couldn’t care less. Their grading makes it seem like they want to send me back to wherever I came from, and honestly, at this point, that might not be the worst option.
I had plans to apply to Western MedSci, but I’ve had to lower my expectations because these teachers completely tanked my entire class. One of my super-smart friends, who usually scores 98 in calculus without even studying, got the same poor treatment from our physics teacher as I did—he got a level 2, and I ended up with a level 2-.
It’s just frustratingly repetitive; it’s like they’re all just mimicking each other. I eventually dropped that dreadful course, even though it was actually pretty easy—just ruined by a terrible teacher.
Then there’s my English teacher, who I can’t help but feel is biased. No matter how hard I worked, I was stuck at 85%. I spent over three hours on an essay with another English teacher and still ended up with a disappointing grade. It just doesn’t add up! Only five students even managed to hit the 90s, while the rest of us seemed to hit a ceiling.
Speaking of math, my Advanced Functions teacher randomly went on leave (this happens every semester), and we ended up with some subpar replacements. It’s ridiculous because the teachers may know how to teach well, but their grading is all over the place. I ended up with a 64% on two unit tests, despite being told the tests would be straightforward if we completed the homework. With tests marked out of 32, one tiny mistake can feel like a disaster.
Biology, on the other hand, has been my saving grace. It’s the one class where I actually feel like I’m thriving—everything just clicks perfectly.
This semester has its ups and downs. I didn’t do well on my first calculus test (scored just 66%), even though it was on rates of change—the simplest concept ever.
In chemistry, I scored 74% on the electrochemistry test, which is 20% above the class average. That test felt easy! In fact, only one person managed to score above 90%, so how is that possible?
Honestly, if Schrödinger dropped a new album of scientific equations to explain this mess, I would definitely listen. It makes sense on paper, but real life feels so far removed from any logical explanation.
I can feel your frustration, and it’s clear you’re dealing with a lot of pressure right now. It’s rough when you put in so much effort and feel like it’s not reflected in your grades. It sounds like you’re facing some serious challenges with your teachers, and it’s completely valid to be upset about that.
Grades definitely matter, especially when you’re shooting for a specific program, and it seems like you’re doing everything you can to succeed. The inconsistency in grading among teachers can feel really unfair, especially when you see peers struggling like you are.
It’s good that you found a subject you enjoy, like biology, to help balance out the stress. Hopefully, this semester, you can find a way to navigate these challenges and focus on the subjects that resonate with you. Just remember to take breaks and reach out for support when you need it, whether it’s friends, family, or guidance counselors. You don’t have to go through this alone! Keep pushing through, and good luck with your classes!