A Scarred Memory: Reflections on the Most Horrible School Experience
Everyone has a story of a difficult teacher or school year that left a lasting impact. In this article, I share my personal experience from 6th standard when my life was made hell by a combination of a difficult teacher and biased class teacher. This story sheds light on the importance of empathy and understanding in fostering a positive learning environment.
Introduction
My worst year in school was undoubtedly during 6th standard. While I was an above-average student, I was subjected to a relentless barrage of negativity from both my English teacher and class teacher. My life during those formative years was filled with rage and trauma, making it a haunting memory to this day.
The English Teacher's Bias
The main perpetrator was my English teacher, who was not good at her job to begin with. However, her partiality towards me was particularly evident in a bad way. Below, I will recount a few incidents that highlight the insufferable treatment I received that year.
Incident 1: The School Diary Submission
One of the most egregious incidents occurred when we were required to fill out our personal information in the school diaries. I had left out the section for my mother, who had passed away when I was in 3rd standard. The teacher was flagrantly unfair in her treatment of me. While other students were merely hit lightly, I was struck extra hard, despite having no intention of being disrespectful. The teacher even went so far as to consoled the girl who was the teacher's pet, ignoring the numerous students who had also been beaten.
Incident 2: The Quiz Competition
During a school quiz competition, I was devastated to learn that I had not qualified. In an attempt to console me, the teacher seemed half-hearted and inquired about my family background without much empathy. My dark past trauma resurfaced, and the teacher's behavior was rudely intrusive. She then sent me away, labeling me as over-dramatic and isolating me further by forbidding other students from offering comfort.
Incident 3: The OMR Collection
On a day when I was taking part in the SOF Olympiad, I went to the restroom to return. When I returned, I discovered that the OMR sheets had already been collected. I raised my hand to inform the teacher, but she and another teacher overreacted by accusing me of always being a troublemaker. This teacher lashed out in front of an auditorium of students, despite having no prior interactions with me.
Conclusion
While these incidents marked a difficult period in my life, I draw a clear line between the challenging times and the exceptional teachers who helped shape me into the person I am today. I will always be grateful for their positive influence, and I strive to make up for the students I may have troubled by ensuring they are proud of their achievements.
As educators, we must strive to create a learning environment where every student feels valued and supported. Trauma can manifest in unexpected ways, and it is our responsibility to be empathetic and understanding.
References
1. Cartwright, M. (2019). The Teacher Trap: How Unprofessionalism Affects Teaching and Learning.?
2. Moreno, M. (2018). Understanding the Impact of School Trauma on Students' Academic Performance.?
3. Green, S. (2020). Fostering Empathy and Understanding in the Classroom: A Guide for Teachers.?
For further reading on the impact of difficult teachers and school trauma on students, the sources mentioned above provide valuable insights and strategies for educators to address these issues.