In order for real learning to occur in a classroom, a healthy relationship between the teacher and students is crucial. That being said, some habits have become infamous for getting under teachers’ skin. These issues run deeper than some students may expect when packing up early, leaving an AirPod in, or forgetting to put their name on a paper.
Math teacher Amanda Orban says that her biggest pet peeve as a teacher is when students leave one or both AirPods in during class.
“It might not seem disrespectful, but it comes across as my lesson that I’m giving is not valuable enough to you for you to fully put away all of the distractions and be engaged,” Orban said.
To her, it comes across as disrespectful, but she acknowledges that sometimes it is a natural, unintentional habit. But there is a reason why these things upset teachers.
“While our pet peeves may seem annoying to you, it’s our way of trying to set an environment that we feel like is going to allow all students to feel comfortable, feel safe and learn,” Orban said.
Similar to Orban, English and Psychology teacher Katie Parent values the humanization of teachers and mutual respect between students and teachers.
“I do generally think that you can level with people on a human level, and show them your humanity. I think sometimes students forget that teachers are humans,” Parent said.
Parent says that her pet peeve is students packing up before the bell. She equated it to a student giving a presentation and the teacher collecting their things during the presentation.
“You would think to yourself, has she been listening to me? I worked so hard for this, and she doesn’t even care what I have to say in my presentation. That’s exactly how your teachers feel when we are still delivering information at the end of class, and people are packing up while we’re talking,” Parent said.
Parent acknowledges that there is likely no malicious intent behind this. However, she says that the most important information is usually delivered at the beginning and end of class, so it is important to pay attention. Social Studies teacher Donn Bacon shares a similar sentiment.
“I start every class with reminders about when things are due and those types of things. I think sometimes students can tune it out when I’m just trying to give these reminders to students,” Bacon said.
