Students have always claimed that their teachers pick favorites, and that their grades are based on how much a teacher does or doesn’t like them. “Jack only got an A from Mr. Keith because he plays tennis.” or “I got a C on my essay because my English teacher didn’t like my brother.”
Eric Mitchell, American History teacher and Bret Anderson, Psychology and American History teacher, are two PCHS staff members who may or may not pick favorites. Mitchell, who works mainly with freshmen, notices how attitudes affect students’ education and enjoyment of a class.
“I don’t know [if] teachers pick favorites,” Mitchell said. “I think students establish themselves as what other students perceive as favorites because they might be doing a good job or different sort of job that a teacher really likes and kinda makes a connection with.”
Anderson had a similar answer to Mitchell’s about whether or not teachers picked favorites. Agreeing with that, they also share that there are traits in students that teachers can favor over others.
“[Students that are easier to work with] pay attention to how a class is run and they understand the process of the class. They put in the amount of time that makes them successful in the class.” Anderson said. “Teachers enjoy students who like to learn and who are easy to deal with and don’t cause too many issues. You kind of gravitate towards that particular person.”
On the flip side, students often think their teachers are out to get them. They complain about their grades without putting in the work to improve them.
“Sometimes students make it difficult for you to work with them,” Mitchell said. “You have to try a lot of different avenues to unlock the connection to try to get them to do the work or to ask questions, or do what you’re trying to get them to do as a student.”
After 27 years of teaching, Anderson knows how to deal with frustrating students and situations.
“I don’t show the emotion and stress as much as I might feel inside because it doesn’t do any good if [the students] think you’re upset or anything like that. Sometimes they are having a bad day or a bad morning.” Anderson said.
Students get in their head and end up limiting their ability to succeed. Putting in the effort to be successful and working with your teacher, rather than against them, can make all the difference.
