How tough do you want your student's teacher to be

[Lutheranteach]

Parents, how tough do you like your students’ teachers to be. I am known as a very tough teacher, and I’ll be honest. I like that reputation and I feel my students accomplish things that amaze both themselves and their parents not just in the realm of academics, but also as far as being responsible.

 

[whatevergirl]

Parents, how tough do you like your students’ teachers to be. I am known as a very tough teacher, and I’ll be honest. I like that reputation and I feel my students accomplish things that amaze both themselves and their parents not just in the realm of academics, but also as far as being responsible.

*I like tough teachers, yes…I grew up with those types, and a student will do far better in classes where teachers expect high hopes for their kids–instilling good work ethics, and wanting them to raise the bar. Not to say that teachers should be whizzing by lessons, if the kids are not grasping the lesson, but more that they should be challenging the kids to work hard, and be accountable.

I don’t like teaching ‘‘methods’’ that give busy work so the teachers don’t have to teach…I have seen that with two of my kids’ teachers this year, and it’s disappointing. Kids need to be challenged, need to be stimulated in class intellectually…not told to sit and read chapters and answer questions in the back of the book…not sure why the teacher is needed in those classes. Keep up the good work though…being a tough teacher is respected, even though kids might not say it. My son likes tough teachers, he said they challenge him to go beyond what he might think he is able to do. *

 

[Dempsey1919]

I’m am a 23 year old Englishman, and although I am not a parent I thought I’d give my opinion based on my own experiences at Secondary School.

I didn’t always like the tough teachers and to be honest there were even times when I hated them. However, I always respected them more than I respected the softer teachers. Teachers who were too lenient often lost control of their classrooms and found it much harder to deliver their lessons. The tougher teachers always managed to maintain control and limit disruptions. They commanded respect and nine out of ten times they got it.

The History department in my Secondary School was definitely the most strict. The lessons where highly regimented, talking was strictly limited to questions and answers relating to the subject, and work of a high quality was always demanded. The teachers tolerated no nonsense and would simply throw disruptive students out of the room for the entire lesson! I didn’t always enjoy my History lessons but the strict environment brought out the best in me and I excelled in the subject. I was not distracted by idle gossip and the bad behaviour of other students. Looking back, I can say without doubt that I had some brilliant History teachers and I am truly grateful for the discipline and respect they instilled in me.

I will relate another story from my childhood education in Primary School. The head mistress of my Primary School was a nun named Sister Michael. It is no exaggeration to say that she terrified most of the children and teachers. She was extremely strict with both her students and employees. She demanded respect and she got it from everybody. One word from her was enough to silence an entire class of students. Despite this, I loved the good sister and I still do. She was very strict with me and even reduced me to tears a few times but she had a good heart and only wanted the best for me. Now that I am older, I know that she had my best interests at heart. Sister Michael’s tough attitude brought results and my primary school was the best in the area for decades. However, since Sister Michael left to perform other duties in her Order, the school has massively deteriorated and came last in the government inspection polls last year. I honestly believe that the standards have slipped primarily because the discipline and respect that Sister instilled in the school is no longer there.

The tough History teachers at my Secondary School were not always liked by the students but they were always respected. Their approach to education really helped bring the best out in me; they taught me History, but they also taught me the values of respect, discipline and hard work. Sister Michael evoked fear in the hearts of many students, but she was also very loving. Her stern example produced immense fruit and she helped make her school the best in the local area for decades. It is for these reasons that I hope my the teachers of my future children will be firm but fair. If they get teachers like Sister Michael I know they will do well at school and in life.

 

[Em_in_FL]

Depends on which grade and which subject.

PreSchool through maybe 1st-2nd… I think kids need to be “mothered” into school. Stern, yet loving… know what I mean?

But after 3rd, and definitely into middle and high school - I agree that the “tough” teachers are the ones that make the most difference in a child’s life. Looking back, I only remember the ones that drove me CRAZY - and yet, those are the ones I really respect the most as an adult. Hard to experience at the time, yet well worth the “formation”…

 

[Ralph4454]

I don’t think it matters what grade or subject is being taught. A good teacher knows there is a balance, not all kids learn or grasp things a the same pace. Just being a hard a…, for the sake of being one or thinking that gets the job done by being one, justifies it. This applys to both academic teacher and coaches at any level.
There’s always that overbearing teacher that wants to be the one to change the world by being, well let’s just say “tough”.
Keep up the good work LT:thumbsup:

 

[MadameButterfly]

I’m a homeschooling mom of 4 boys and I believe in being firm, but fair. In other words, I try to push my dc enough to challenge them, but not too much that it overwhelms them. It’s a fine line to balance sometimes, especially since 2 of my ds have dyslexia.

I expect teachers to be firm and fair as well (the word tough creates a negative connotation in mind: harsh, unreasonable, or demanding). The best teachers I had expected a lot from their classes, both academically and behaviorally, but they also were quick to help when a student encountered difficulties. But most of all, they inspired a love of learning even in the most challenging of subjects (advanced biology, chemistry and pre-calculus come to mind).

The worst teachers I had were on either end of the teaching spectrum: those who were too soft and those who were too tough. Basically, I ended up not having much respect for either group (although, considering my personality type, I disliked those who were too tough the most) and I ended up hating those subjects (physics and music come to mind).

MadameButterfly

 

[Corki]

Not enough information.

In my kids’ school, there are a few “tough” teachers. The problem is that one or two of them are “tough” in ways that directly violate school policy. Example: school has a standard late policy with substantial deductions for late assignments. One of the “tough” teachers just gives zeros. Is she setting high expectations? Yes. Is she a good teacher because of this? No.

I expect that teachers who are tough in thier expectations for kids will be superstars in delivering on parent’s expectations too. A teacher who is a hard grader and gives assignments with short time-frames in order to challenge the kids must be almost instantaneous in grading and error-free in both grading and communication. A teacher who sets a high bar on student behavior had better be the sweetest, most polite (yes, m’aam, not calling me by my first name ) teacher in the school.

 

[purplesunshine]

Not enough information.

In my kids’ school, there are a few “tough” teachers. The problem is that one or two of them are “tough” in ways that directly violate school policy. Example: school has a standard late policy with substantial deductions for late assignments. One of the “tough” teachers just gives zeros. Is she setting high expectations? Yes. Is she a good teacher because of this? No.

If teacher does this in elementary/middle school its a bit harsh. If it’s hs and teacher gives a zero on a late assignment. Tough. Colleges will expect the same.

 

[whatevergirl]

If teacher does this in elementary/middle school its a bit harsh. If it’s hs and teacher gives a zero on a late assignment. Tough. Colleges will expect the same.

So true! Not that every kid wants to or ‘‘has’’ to attend college, but I think the tougher teachers (that challenge, make kids accountable, etc not just strict for the sake of it) are the ones that prepare kids the most for college. I’ve told my son this, your teachers hand hold all of you too much…when you get to college, it’s so different. (although I had some softie professors) lol

 

[purplesunshine]

So true! Not that every kid wants to or ‘‘has’’ to attend college, but I think the tougher teachers (that challenge, make kids accountable, etc not just strict for the sake of it) are the ones that prepare kids the most for college. I’ve told my son this, your teachers hand hold all of you too much…when you get to college, it’s so different. (although I had some softie professors) lol

As a manger I have to say about 95% of public school students and 70% of non-elite private school students are in no way prepared for the word “no”. If you say that they’re fired if they show up late and you fire them, and they show up ridiculously late and you fire them, they’ll go crying to administration!!! (or more likely they’ll have their mom do it…even at 18-21!!!) There is very little personal responsibility anymore.

I had a dean of a college once tell me that one of the biggest factors of students dropping out was having deadlines and lack of “extra credit”, grade curves and make-up exams. At a community college I know of they literally use the same history textbook (for a 200 level course) as a nearby elite jr high.

 

[whatevergirl]

As a manger I have to say about 95% of public school students and 70% of non-elite private school students are in no way prepared for the word “no”. If you say that they’re fired if they show up late and you fire them, and they show up ridiculously late and you fire them, they’ll go crying to administration!!! (or more likely they’ll have their mom do it…even at 18-21!!!) There is very little personal responsibility anymore.

I had a dean of a college once tell me that one of the biggest factors of students dropping out was having deadlines and lack of “extra credit”, grade curves and make-up exams. At a community college I know of they literally use the same history textbook (for a 200 level course) as a nearby elite jr high.

Yes, you are right…the word ‘‘no’’ is not heard enough by their parents either…which is why kids graduating high school, are not accountable when they go to college or in the workplace. Saying no is actually a loving thing to do, if you want to help someone grow. I used to be one of those moms, dare I admit here… who used to rush to my kids’ aid everytime an assignment was late…My husband said…you are enabling them to becoming unaccountable. So…I stopped all of that, and my kids are very accountable now, and they know, if they choose to ‘‘forget’’ to do an assignment, it’s on them. I agree with you purple…good points.

 

[kib]

The best teachers I have ever had pushed me to achieve and expected a lot from me, during high school and college. Teachers that try to act like a drill sergeant just to intimidate students are obnoxious fools.

 

[Corki]

If teacher does this in elementary/middle school its a bit harsh. If it’s hs and teacher gives a zero on a late assignment. Tough. Colleges will expect the same.

Well, my example was elementary but it doesn’t matter. Even in HS, a teacher who disregards school policy in order to raise expectations is nothing but a bully and dwarves no respect.

 

[jmcrae]

Not enough information.

In my kids’ school, there are a few “tough” teachers. The problem is that one or two of them are “tough” in ways that directly violate school policy. Example: school has a standard late policy with substantial deductions for late assignments. One of the “tough” teachers just gives zeros. Is she setting high expectations? Yes. Is she a good teacher because of this? No.

I expect that teachers who are tough in thier expectations for kids will be superstars in delivering on parent’s expectations too. A teacher who is a hard grader and gives assignments with short time-frames in order to challenge the kids must be almost instantaneous in grading and error-free in both grading and communication. A teacher who sets a high bar on student behavior had better be the sweetest, most polite (yes, m’aam, not calling me by my first name ) teacher in the school.

I agree with this - the teacher has to follow his or her own rules, and be consistent. If the kids have to have their assignments finished in one or two days, then it is not unreasonable to expect the teacher to grade and return them within one or two days.

If the purpose of school is to prepare kids for the working world, then they need to be given realistic deadlines - neither too long, nor too short. How long should it take a secretary to do this? That’s how long you should expect a grade 10 or older student to take to do it.

In the working world, if you are late with an assignment, you have to warn the customer ahead of time that it’s going to be late, so in school, there should be a method in place for the student to let the teacher know that the assignment is going to be late (if it is) rather than deducting points, or whatever.

Of course in the real world, the customer will have a screaming fit, and I don’t know if the schools should be quite that realistic, but one could substitute an equally unpleasant consequence, as well.

 

[whatevergirl]

*I agree on principle, jmcrae…but the teachers are grading possibly 30, 40, 50 papers, depending on how many students they are teaching…so a kid doing his one assignment doesn’t equal a teacher’s workload of grading papers, in the same timeframe.

I think that the OP was speaking more along the lines of instilling a good work ethic in a kid…being tough being a relative word. I think he meant it more along the lines of challenging kids, not accepting poor excuses, not babying kids…and I think he meant that for middle school/high school. I think the premise of the thread is being scattered in different directions, that wasn’t his meaning of ‘‘tough.’’ Tough doesn’t mean a teacher breaks school policies to be a jerk … I think in those cases, the parent should contact the teacher/principal. But, that’s not tough to me, that is just someone who shouldn’t be teaching in the first place.

‘‘Do as I say, not as I do’’ kind of teachers are not ‘‘tough.’’ They are lazy. I don’t think w’re talking about those types here.*

 

[Corki]

*I agree on principle, jmcrae…but the teachers are grading possibly 30, 40, 50 papers, depending on how many students they are teaching…so a kid doing his one assignment doesn’t equal a teacher’s workload of grading papers, in the same timeframe.

‘‘Do as I say, not as I do’’ kind of teachers are not ‘‘tough.’’ They are lazy. I don’t think w’re talking about those types here.*

At the risk of going off topic, this is an apples to oranges comparison. A teacher who is trained, who designs assignments well and who creates the grading rubric to be used absolutely should bevheld to the same standard OR HIGHER than an unpaid student with seven other classes who has no control over the assignments given.

If the teacher can not grade the papers in a timely manner, he did a poor job of developing the assessment.

And that’s exactly who I’m talking about. There are tough teachers that students remember and admire, even if it’s not until years later. And there are teachers who take pride in being tough. They are rarely the same group of people.

 

[whatevergirl]

At the risk of going off topic, this is an apples to oranges comparison. A teacher who is trained, who designs assignments well and who creates the grading rubric to be used absolutely should bevheld to the same standard OR HIGHER than an unpaid student with seven other classes who has no control over the assignments given.

If the teacher can not grade the papers in a timely manner, he did a poor job of developing the assessment.

And that’s exactly who I’m talking about. There are tough teachers that students remember and admire, even if it’s not until years later. And there are teachers who take pride in being tough. They are rarely the same group of people.

*True…I don’t disagree…but, the student still has to do the work. Doesn’t matter if the teacher takes two weeks to grade one paragraph…the student still has to do the assignment at the deadline…unless he/she is sick, etc and the deadline can’t be met. Life’s unfair sometimes…we don’t always get teachers we like and who have good work ethics…and yes, sometimes, they preach do as I say, not as I do…but again, they are probably not who the OP was referring to, when he referred to ‘‘tough’’ teachers.

I agree with you on the priniciple, it is frustrating. My kids have had some of the teachers you describe here in Florida. Endless assignments, unreasonable deadlines…but, sometimes, life is not fair. *

 

[DihydrogenOxide]

Parents, how tough do you like your students’ teachers to be. I am known as a very tough teacher, and I’ll be honest. I like that reputation and I feel my students accomplish things that amaze both themselves and their parents not just in the realm of academics, but also as far as being responsible.

I’m a teacher. I think being tough shows you are serious about what you do and respects students. I know students give these teachers more respect, because of this. They are the ones, in the long run, that students appreciate and remember.

 

[Suzq2]

My children have had some great teachers and they’ve had a few real lemons. As a parent, what I want in a teacher is someone that not only teaches them academically (face it some aren’t capable of that), but also respects them as human beings. My children don’t respect the teacher that constantly complains about the students, the administration, and in a few cases, the parents. The best teachers they’ve had have given the zero for not doing homework, then, after the second occurence, called home to make sure everything was okay. When I think about it, the worst teachers my children have had either have no children or just one child. I think it’s a life experience thing where you learn to appreciate people as individuals and understand family life in a better way.
I want my children’s teachers to be tough and human with realistic expectations.

 

[CountrySinger]

I taught 3rd grade for one year before I got burned out by the apathy of the parents. I had some kids that didn’t know how to read (and they didn’t have anything with their brains, they were capable, but the parents didn’t care). I’m not a parent, but that set off alarms in my head. I expected my students to behave, do their assignments, and respect others. The other teachers just passed their students through, so they didn’t have to put up with them for another year.
One “mean” thing was that I told the students they could watch movies in class, and then muted it, and turned on the closed captions. They hated it, but they were reading by the end of the year. Karaoke was also a good exercise. The first part of the year was just getting the kids to the point where they could actually read their textbooks, and you know, learn. The parents were the worst, there were a couple kids I had concerns about, and the parents blew me off. I didn’t extend my contract after that first year. I had to take a break. Now I’m getting my master’s in special education and educating gifted learners. It will be a different world.