What are the most common elements in teacher horror stories?

The most common element is probably the teacher's inappropriate behavior. This could be anything from yelling at students for no good reason to making inappropriate comments. Another common thing is the failure of the teacher to protect the students. Students look up to teachers for protection, and when a teacher fails to do so, like in cases of bullying or harassment within the school, it becomes a horror story. And also, academic pressure can be a part of it. When teachers push students too hard without considering their limits, it can lead to a very negative and scary experience for the students.

Another is over - controlling behavior. Some teachers try to micromanage every aspect of a student's school life, from how they sit to what they write in their notebooks. It can be really suffocating for students. For example, a teacher might force a left - handed student to write with their right hand, which is not only uncomfortable but also against the student's natural inclination. And also, lack of respect for students' individuality is often seen. Teachers may not understand or care about students' unique interests and talents, and instead force them to conform to a one - size - fits - all model of learning.

One common element is lack of classroom management skills. Trainee teachers often struggle to control the students, like in the case where students keep chatting instead of listening. Another is being unprepared, for example, not knowing the subject matter well enough and making mistakes during teaching.

Poor working conditions are also common. Like old and dilapidated school buildings with problems like leaky roofs or broken heating systems. Teachers have to work in these uncomfortable environments, which can be quite a horror. For instance, in one urban school, the teachers had to teach during winter with a broken heater, and the students and teachers were freezing all day.

Rude behavior from the interviewers is also common. They could be dismissive of the teacher's experience or ideas. I know a teacher who was told her previous teaching experience in a small school was 'not good enough' in a very condescending way during an interview.

Well, unpreparedness is quite common. Either the substitute isn't fully prepared or the regular teacher didn't leave proper instructions. Also, students' preconceived notions about having a substitute can lead to problems. They might think it's a day to slack off, and when the substitute tries to enforce rules, it turns into a horror story.

One common element is lack of respect for students. Bad teachers often humiliate students in public, like the teacher who called students stupid when they made mistakes.

One common element is unruly students. Often, they see a substitute as an easy target and misbehave. Another is lack of support from the school. If the school doesn't back up the substitute's authority, it's a recipe for disaster. Also, unclear lesson plans can be a big problem. Without proper guidance, it's hard for the substitute to keep the class in order.

One common horror story is having to deal with bullying in the classroom. Teachers often struggle to stop it completely. They might have a bully who torments other students, and when the teacher tries to discipline the bully, they face pushback from the bully's parents who don't believe their child could do such a thing.

One common element is dedication. Teachers in these stories are often deeply committed to their students' success, like spending extra hours to help them. Another is innovation. For example, using new teaching methods to reach different types of learners. And also, empathy. Teachers who understand the students' difficulties and support them through tough times.