I Have a Rude Teacher; What Should I Do?

[xDoglate]

I need some guidance on what to do and how to act around one of my teachers.

He's, in fact, my Bible teacher, but he's rude about a lot of things, he doesn't even teach, hardly (it's been almost a full school year and I've learned nothing except what my school mates believe about the world) he uses students (he even said so), he lies sometimes, he disrespects students, and he's the kind of teacher who plays favorites and picks on students he doesn't like, or make everyone write five full pages of something because he's angry about something else.

My teacher is young-- 27, I believe-- and I think that he just doesn't understand that because he has authority, it doesn't mean he can do whatever he wants to us. He seems like he would be pretty cool outside of school, but he doesn't know how to handle the power he's been given as a teacher. He's also the type of teacher who looks for kids out of uniform to give them a "red card" (dress code violation), and I mean, if their shirt accidentally comes untucked because they had a jacket on or they took their lanyard off for a moment to fix their collar (wearing lanyards is mandatory at my school). He's all over the place with his attitude and I honestly think that he believes he's perfect in all situations.

One time, he was mad about something probably not school-related, and he gave one of my class mates a demerit for literally nothing. That poor kid got picked on so often! All of my class mates are witnesses to that. Now, since that one kid is gone, I feel like I am the next victim, though probably because I'm not having any of my teacher's attitude so he's singling me out to try and "put me in my place."

He also told me that I could draw in class if I wanted to, as long as I paid attention. Actually, drawing in class helps me to pay attention, hence why he allowed me to do so. However, all of a sudden without any explanation what-so-ever, he kept telling me to put my book away all the time or I'd get my participation points of the day taken away! I was just like "What? I don't understand?" He just changed his mind and didn't even tell me. Now, paying attention in class actually is more of a challenge (well, that was actually when he was teaching a bit).

Another time-- and what has really got him against me-- everyone was talking like they usually do, just normal chatter, cracking small jokes at things other people said, and my brother was acting weird, making noises, and the teacher told him to stop and asked him why he was doing such weird noises. All I said was "Welcome to my world." because everyone thinks my brother is some good, silent child (which he is absolutely not silent heh) and my teacher just blew up! He asked me if I wanted a demerit and in fact, I said "I don't care. Give me one. It's not going to ruin my life, one little demerit." And he was mad. I will admit, I let my temper get the best of me, a bit, but I don't regret it and I don't feel sorry at all. I mean, what was I supposed to do, let him control me with demerits? Shrink in my seat and say "No, teacher, please don't give me a demerit, I am under your complete control." My parents always say to stick up for myself and I did. Now I'm my teacher's target.

The most recent problem was actually just yesterday. I have Bible class after lunch, and we only have about 20 minutes to eat lunch so I wasn't able to finish and I was still very hungry. All I did was bring my lunch box to class and ate popcorn over my lunch box. I was being very quiet and careful not to get it on the floor, and I didn't think he would seriously mind it because he let us eat food at the beginning of the year, and other kids did it without much of a problem. Oh, but as soon as he found out, he kicked me out of the class room. I finished my popcorn outside and as he called me back in (was about five minutes) he was telling me how if I ate in the classroom again I'd get in trouble and lose my participation points of the day and get a demerit and all this junk, when in fact, that was the first time I eaten in his class since a while ago, and other kids eat in his class all the time! Is he not picking on me or what?

My Bible teacher has admitted to lying (sure, the little stuff, like lying about where a book is or something, but is that appropriate behavior for a Bible teacher?) He admitted to using the sixth graders for cleaning his room or something, he doesn't teach us and sits us down to write a two page outline of multiple chapters in books that we hardly study (I've only read the book because we outline it all the time (and, we just outlined a chapter yesterday that we outlined once before, so that shows he doesn't keep track of things)) while he plays on Facebook (I hear the 'ding' of his messages), he tells us things that we can do then changes his mind without warning, he makes fun of students, sometimes (his policy during debates is to be kind to each other. I was trying to explain my view and everyone disagreed with me and they were yelling at me and he just added "You are a horrible debater." Oh yeah, that was kind. Hypocritical.) -- I could go on and on! And all of my class mates can vouch for me!

But my main question is what should I do about it? What is right in this situation? I've tried praying about it, looking stuff up in the Bible, but I get no actual answer or anything that fits in this situation. I don't have a pastor to go to, really, my parents just agree with the teacher because he's the teacher (typical), and I can't go to anyone at school because of the same thing as my parents and the only Bible teacher is him. Do I just need to sit and do what he says? "Turn the other cheek?" But I feel so used and vulnerable, so unjustified. I know I let my anger get the best of me, some times, but I don't feel like I'm the wrong one in the situation. I feel attacked and bullied, truly, truly.

What does the Bible say about something like this?

 

[Willie T]

Fairly simple. Send this letter to the principal, and their supervisor/s.

 

[Matt Faith]

This guy sounds like someone who is abusing their power. It is very strange to hear about this kind of behavior from a bible teacher. I would recommend as Willie T suggested, going to the principal about this issue. I hope and pray your situation improves, keep us updated!

 

[USCGrad90]

I am not sure how old you are, but I'm assuming you to be around High School age. For reference, I am the parent of a 13 year old in middle school, 16 year old in high school and an 18 year old in her first year of college.
I have dealt with teacher issues and in some instances had to back the teachers and in others backed my kids. These included accusations of cheating, issues over homework, bullying, and even a teacher accusing my daughter of being racist.
First - from your description, it sound like you have a poor relationship with the teacher. While it does appear he has issues, some of your responses are disrespectful and antagonistic. You need to remove the emotion and honestly analyze if there is anything you could have done better.
Second - There is biblical advice on how to deal with conflict. In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus gives the steps for dealing with conflict. According to this passage, in the event of conflict , we are to address it one-on-one first, then if still unresolved it should be taken to a small group, and finally before the whole church (or a higher authority like the principal) if the problem still remains.
My advice would be to first approach the teacher and respectfully ask if you can discuss your issues. You may first offer an open-ended apology, telling him you are sorry if you have done anything to offend him, but you want to discuss the issues and find a better way to meet his expectations. This should open the door and may even garner his respect for your broaching the subject.
After this, regardless of the outcome, I would advise that you talk to your parents - removing as much emotion as you can and being open to listening to their feedback and advice. Make sure you are not complaining about the situation, but try to communicate what is bothering you and ask them for serious advice. Be prepared to listen and admit your own faults. If the talk with the teacher worked - then share that with your parents, as I think it will show them that you have done something serious to try to deal with the issue on your own.
If you have friends and classmates that are dealing with the same issues - discuss that with your parents as a reference to show that you are not the only one.
If the teacher does not listen or change his attitude after a one-on-one meeting, then approaching him with other classmates on the same issue is the next step. This may be the hardest, because it is difficult to get people to have the courage to confront issues directly.
Lastly - if none of this works - you need to ask your parents to have a conference with your Principal. Regardless of whether you think they are backing you - if you initiate approaching the principal - it will show you are serious enough to take action. Most kids do not want to go to the principal - so I think this would get attention and support from your parents.
What I hear from you is similar to issues that I hear from my own kids. They have some teachers that are simply "bad" teachers and sometimes they have to figure out what makes that teacher tick and go with what works.
I have told my kids many times that when you leave school, you will see the same thing in the working world. There are many bosses who are jerks and the only way to deal with them is to understand what makes them tick and find a way to pacify them. The first steps are trying to come to a mutual level of understanding and respect and it usually makes issues easier to deal with.

 

[Lik3]

From all that I read, clearly this guy should find another line of work, so I agree with Willie T.

 

[Freakconformist]

I have to agree with USCGrad.

I would also like to give you a common sense caution. If you know this teacher is erratic and moody, try not to do anything they might perceive as disrespectful.

Yeah, I know you want to stand up for yourself, but arguing isn't going to win your case for you, especially when he can just turn around an call you belligerent.
Put away the drawing tools (btw, you're not crazy, almost every artist I know says the same thing)
If you really need to eat something (I have a medical condition with will cause me to get faint if I don't eat), carry a snack bar (or better yet, an apple) on you and scarf it down while you're still in the hallway.

Fight smarter, not harder. Whenever he does something unreasonable, make a note of it (you're allowed to take notes in class, right?) When you have a page specific event you can cite, then you can go to your principle. Maybe you can approach a teacher you do get along with/ respect and ask him or her to have a talk with him.

Maybe he's just not sure about what he's doing, and he's taking it out on the students. Giving him a little leeway and forgiveness might show him that you aren't the "demon child" he's imagining. Most of all remember, as hard as it is to deal with, it's temporary, "This too shall pass", don't let his bitterness ruin you're day.

 

[graciesings]

I recommend you get a letter ready for the principal, and if you can, arrange some friends to do the same.

Or, start a petition and mention not only problems you've had, but also problems that the whole class has had. (I hear you explaining that the teacher is out to get YOU, but chances are he has annoyed other kids at other times.) Then try to get classmates to sign it, there is strength in numbers!

Try to explain things in a calm, practical way. Make it sound like you aren't mad at the teacher, you're trying to improve the class experience and learn more. Try to keep hurt feelings and unfairness out, instead focus on black-and-white issues. Instead of saying that the teacher is "so mean," point out specific problems. "The ___ grade Bible class would like it if _______ (name of teacher) clarified rules about eating in class." "This class also believes that they would learn more if _________ (name of teacher) did not check Facebook during class time." Cite specific events. Don't use words like "picked on," "hurt feelings" and "not fair," keep it a business letter or petition. Give it to the principal or assistant principal, see if anything happens.

Also, if you do that, explain to their friends that even if they get demerits for helping, it may save trouble in the future. Also, let your parents know what has been going on. Ask them to help you draft the letter to the school's supervisor/principal, that way they know what's going on, but they will probably be pleased to see you calmly try to improve the situation, instead of getting mad and upset.

And the end of this may or may not result in the teacher getting fired. The idea is to explain the problem to the authorities and let them work it out. That might mean replacing the teacher, that might mean putting the teacher on a lesson plan, or explaining how the teacher needs to act. Any of it would be an improvement, but it isn't up to you to decide if the guy should be fired, corrected, or what. The best thing you can do is make the matter obvious to those in charge and let it get fixed there.