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Why Teachers Can Be the Worst Bullies

You walk into school every day with a pit in your stomach, bracing yourself for what’s coming. You’ve got enough to worry about with the pressure of grades, fitting in, and figuring out who you are. The last thing you need is for the person who’s supposed to be your guide, your mentor, to become your worst nightmare. Yet here you are, dealing with teachers who act more like bullies than educators.

It’s infuriating, isn’t it? The ones who are supposed to help you learn and grow turn out to be the very people who tear you down. They pick favorites, and if you’re not one of them, tough luck. They single you out, embarrass you in front of the class, and make you feel like you’re worthless. And it’s not like you can just walk away. You’re stuck in that classroom, day after day, taking hit after hit.

Let’s talk about the power trip. Some teachers seem to get a kick out of showing you who’s boss. They wield their authority like a weapon, using it to intimidate and control. They assign ridiculous amounts of homework, call you out for every little thing, and make snide comments that cut deep. It’s not about teaching; it’s about breaking you down to build themselves up.

And then there’s the hypocrisy. They preach respect but don’t give it in return. They expect you to be perfect, but they’re allowed to have bad days and take it out on you. They tell you to be kind and understanding, yet they show none of that to you. The double standards are enough to make you scream.

You’ve probably tried to talk to someone about it—a parent, a counselor, maybe even another teacher. But what do you get? “Oh, they’re just doing their job,” or “You need to toughen up.” It’s like screaming into a void. No one gets it. No one sees the damage being done because it’s not physical. It’s mental. It’s emotional. And it’s real.

Here’s the thing: You are not alone. There are so many people out there who’ve been through what you’re going through. They’ve felt the same rage, the same frustration, the same despair. They’ve wondered if they’re really as worthless as their teachers make them feel. But you’re not. You are valuable. You are worthy. And you deserve better.

So what can you do? First, know that it’s okay to be angry. It’s a normal, human reaction to being mistreated. Use that anger to fuel your determination to find a better way. Look into alternatives to traditional schooling. There are options out there—homeschooling, unschooling, online education, GED programs, and more. You don’t have to stay in a toxic environment. You have choices.

Second, connect with others who understand. Sites like School Survival are here for you. We get it. We’re here to listen, to support, and to help you explore those alternatives. You don’t have to go through this alone.

Just because someone is in a position of authority doesn’t mean they’re right. It doesn’t mean they have the right to make you feel less than you are. Stand up for yourself, find your path, and know that you have the strength to get through this.

You are more than the sum of their words. You are powerful, resilient, and capable of creating a future that’s right for you. Don’t let the bullies win.

Posted in: Blog on May 15, 2024 @ 1:50 AM

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