What are the most common elements in teacher - student horror stories?

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 over - strictness. Teachers who are extremely strict and don't allow any small mistakes can be quite terrifying for students. Another is unfair treatment, like what I mentioned before, favoring some students over others in grading or discipline. Also, a bad temper. Teachers who lose their temper easily can create a very hostile learning environment.

Isolation is a common one. Like a student being alone in a deserted part of the school. Another is the presence of strange noises, such as creaking floors or unexplained whispers. And often there's something spooky about the school building itself, like old, dark hallways or abandoned rooms.

Growth and inspiration are also common. The teacher often inspires the student to be better in studies or other aspects of life, and in turn, the student's enthusiasm can inspire the teacher. In a story of a literature teacher and a student, the teacher inspires the student to write better, and the student's fresh perspective on literature re - energizes the teacher, leading to a romantic bond.

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 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.