25 Biggest Mistakes Teachers Make and How to Avoid Them

Mistake 16: Teacher Insensitivity
might have a problem with crying if
it disturbs the class too much. They
might involve a counselor or social
worker when the child needs to cry.
Resourceful teachers would seize the
occurrence as an opportunity to discuss
bereavement, grief, and expressions
of grief. Caring teachers may
be tempted to touch or hug a crying
child. Teachers, if they must hug,
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should know that they do so at their
own risk. An alternative would be to
have a volunteer hugger or a close
friend of the student offer comfort.
This may be effective for young children.
Explaining the nature of grief
and providing comfort for the student
could reduce a potentially
disruptive occurrence down to a
minimal distraction.
SCENARIO 16.9
Children Must Be Seen and Heard
When I look back at grade school and think about my worst experience, Mrs. P. immediately
comes into my mind. She was the PE coach, and I always thought she was so
mean. One day in PE class, I was talking too much, well at least in Mrs. P.’s eyes I was.
To be honest, I do not even remember if I was talking a lot that day, I was always so
quiet and never got in trouble. After PE class that day, Mrs. P. told me, “A., you have
not shut your mouth today at all!”
As I walked away, I was so hurt and wanted to cry. What hurt even more was when
my third-grade (and all-time favorite) teacher told me that Mrs. P. said I misbehaved
that day. I admired Mrs. B. so much. She was so disappointed in me, and I will never
forget that day.
I hope that one day I will meet Mrs. P., and let her know that I am going to be an
elementary teacher very soon, and that I have learned and experienced so much. PE
class should allow young children to be free and expressive to a certain extent. I do not
think talking should be punished with such harsh and personal words. They could
remain with a child for a lifetime. I can still hear her voice so well in my head, even
today. I lived through the experience, but it scares me to think of the other little kids
who will not live through it.
The last part of the student’s
scenario is a fine response to
the first part. He is about to join the
ranks of good teachers who would
SCENARIO 16.10
Stripped of Protective Coating
agree with him. Young children
should be free and expressive in
classes like art, physical education,
and music.
In Mrs. D.’s class I was wearing an overcoat over clothes that didn’t match. I was overweight
and wore hand-me-downs and she made me take off the coat. I cried because
I felt insecure even though she thought I was probably just hot and sweaty. I was made
to feel naked and exposed; the teacher did not have a clue or did not care.