06/01/2026
Here are four critical things teachers should AVOID in the classroom, based on educational best practices and students well-being:
1. Use Public Humiliation or Sarcasm as Discipline
Singling out a student for mockery, sarcasm, or shame in front of peers damages trust, creates a climate of fear, and erodes self-esteem. It focuses on compliance through intimidation rather than understanding and growth.
2: Show Favoritism or Make Comparisons Between Students
Perceived or real favoritism breeds resentment, undermines classroom community, and discourages students who feel overlooked. Comparing students' work, abilities or assessment outcomes is demoralizing and ignores individual progress.
3. Be Unprepared or Inconsistent
Lack of clear lesson plans, objectives, or consistent rules creates chaos and insecurity. Students thrive on structure and predictability. Inconsistent enforcement of rules feels unfair and undermines the teacher's authority.
4. Give Up on or Label Students
Writing off a student as "lazy," "a troublemaker," or "not a math person" becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. It communicates low expectations and can cause the student to internalize that negative identity.
We hope these help us to be better teachers going into the next Term.
