Introduction

Teachers are expected to guide, inspire, and support their students. However, there are occasions when teachers go beyond the boundaries of professional conduct, making their presence highly unpleasant for some students. This article reflects on such experiences, offering a personal account of two incidents involving inappropriate behavior and comments from a teacher.

Teenage Hair Loss and an Uncomfortable Encounter

What happened when the hair loss occurred

At the age of 13, I endured alopecia for the first time, a condition marked by hair loss, either in patches or complete hair loss everywhere. During one of my teenage years, a classmate observed my hair, specifically noticing a large bald spot on my scalp. While I initially tried to dismiss it, the observation sent me to my mother, and eventually, a doctor, to identify the condition. The doctor advised that in many instances, the hair loss gets worse before it starts to improve. In some instances, hair regrowth can occur, while in others, it does not. Unfortunately, my case was the latter.

A particularly notable incident involved a teacher who was seemingly aware of my bald spot, often making comments about it in class. During a school break, one of her comments, “Rebecca! Did you have a brain scan over the school holidays or what!!?” drastically hurt my feelings. This encounter exemplifies the insensitivity of teachers, even in an age where such misconduct is widely condemned.

Fiction vs. Non-Fiction: A Missed Opportunity

The assignment and its requirements

In my English literature class, the assignment required us to write a 1,000-word essay on a subject of our choice, covering both 'sense' and 'reason' aspects. I wasted an entire week trying to choose the right topic until a movie about World War II provided the spark of inspiration. My essay, titled "Instead of War, What if...," explored a hypothetical scenario where a war does not occur. Despite spending countless hours crafting the essay, the teacher's reaction was entirely negative. She criticized the subject, the analysis, and called me a 'smart-mouthed little word,' a term often used for female dogs, which deeply upset me.

The incident culminated in a visit to the principal's office, further exacerbating the situation by adding an administrative element to the already hurtful encounter. This example suggests that even when a student understands the assignment well, teachers can still react harshly, especially when the content of the assignment differs from their expectations or beliefs.

Implications and Reflection

Lessons learned and importance of constructive feedback

Both experiences underline the importance of teachers providing students with constructive, empathetic, and supportive feedback. Such incidents can leave lasting emotional scars, influencing not only the student's perception of the teacher but also their overall learning experience. It is crucial for educators to maintain professionalism and consider their words and actions carefully, ensuring they do not inadvertently harm or demotivate their students.

In conclusion, while many teachers strive to create a positive and educational environment, incidents of inappropriate behavior and insensitive comments do occur. Personal stories like mine serve as a stark reminder of the impact such actions can have on vulnerable students, emphasizing the need for continued emphasis on teacher training and professional conduct standards.