25 Biggest Mistakes Teachers Make and How to Avoid Them

Mistake 23: False Accusations
Prudent teachers only make accusations
when there is unquestionable
proof. They usually rely on what they
see and hear, but they are aware that
sometimes they can be mistaken. These
teachers tread lightly when there is
uncertainty. They avoid making oral
or written statements about a student
that they can’t prove because they
could be sued for libel or slander. In
Scenario 23.2, a teacher accused the
student of stealing a vase. She made
177
the accusation in front of a third
party, the class. Froyen (1993) contends
that the teacher’s comments
could be construed as slanderous if
they subjected the student to the
scorn of a third party, namely the
class. Teachers can also be sued if
they spread this information and
damage a student’s reputation. Good
teachers are hypervigilant about
what they say about students in the
presence of the class.