I’m tired of societal teacher shaming and teacher shaming within the teaching profession. Are you? These unrealistic expectations Need. To. Go.
you’re a bad teacher
if you can’t hold your bladder for six hours plus
you’re a bad teacher
if a student and his parents see you at a restaurant with a glass of wine in front of you
you’re a bad teacher
if every single lesson isn’t differentiated and appealing to every single type of learner
you’re a bad teacher
if it takes you a week to return 95 five paragraph essays with quality feedback
you’re a bad teacher
if you question state standards and
if you don’t question state standards
you’re a bad teacher
if you don’t teach to the test
and if you do teach to the test
you’re a bad teacher
if all of your students aren’t mastery by the end of the year
you’re a bad teacher
if you don’t grade at home
if you turn your email off after school hours
if you aren’t available to students and parents 24/7
if you aren’t losing sleep
you’re a bad teacher
if you take two days off in a row because you have contagious strep throat
if you take a day off to accompany your kindergartner on her pumpkin patch field trip
you’re a bad teacher
if you put your children, your spouse, yourself before the job
you’re a bad teacher
if you don’t spend your own money to fund
pencils, paper, and markers for your students who can’t afford them
donuts, pizza, or ice cream for the victors of a classroom competition
stickers, candy, and prizes for motivation
you’re a bad teacher
if you think you deserve a raise
because, how dare you, it’s a calling, it’s not about the money
if you think you deserve a raise, did you forget about your summers off
you’re a bad teacher
even though you have a bachelor’s degree in your area of expertise and a master’s to seal the deal
you’re just a teacher
you’re a bad teacher
if you take a day off to protest at the capital for educational reform
you should be in the classroom instead, teaching those kids
you’re a bad teacher
let me, my suit, my tie, my MBA make legislative decisions for you
you’re just a teacher
you’re a bad teacher
if you’re human
if you have a life outside your career
if you don’t ooze platitudes and exalt your profession to the masses
if you’re not a martyr
You’re a bad teacher.
You’re just a teacher.
You’re a bad teacher.
I’m a bad teacher .
7 thoughts on “A Poem: Teacher Shaming”
Mama
YOU are not a bad teacher!
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Mrs. Ram Jam
That’s the point Mama Ram Jam!
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paeansunplugged
It is so easy to point fingers at teachers. Well said!
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Mrs. Ram Jam
Thank you. Teachers sure do get a bad rap.
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paeansunplugged
Oh, they do. Despite there immense contributions to society. You are kindly welcome.
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Arachnid Weaver
This is an amazing poem. Teachers are generally awesome people and they deserve more recognition for what they do. They’re single-handedly making the future possible for so many people.
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Mrs. Ram Jam
Thanks! I just wish we got a little more respect in American society.
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