Whether you’re a veteran teacher or just starting your journey in education, there are certain phrases that you never thought you’d find yourself saying until you became a teacher. From the strange requests to the bizarre behaviors, the life of a teacher is full of surprises. Here are 15 things you never thought you’d say until you stepped into a classroom:
- “Please stop eating glue.” It may seem like common sense, but apparently, it needs to be reiterated in a classroom setting.
- “No, you cannot bring your pet snake to class.” As much as some students may love their reptilian friends, a classroom is not the ideal place for them.
- “Please keep your pants on during class.” While it should go without saying, some students need a reminder about appropriate behavior.
- “Yes, you do have to raise your hand to go to the bathroom.” Just because nature calls doesn’t mean students can simply get up and leave whenever they please.
- “No, snow days are not just an excuse for a day off.” While students may hope for the occasional day off due to snow, they must understand that missed classroom time needs to be made up.
- “Please stop trying to trade your lunch for a moldy apple core.” Kids can be quite resourceful when it comes to swapping snacks, but teachers need to step in and put a stop to less-than-ideal trade attempts.
- “Yes, I know fractions can be confusing, but they won’t attack you.” Fractions may seem intimidating, but rest assured, they won’t physically harm anyone.
- “No, I don’t have time to explain why the sky is blue right now. We’re in the middle of a lesson.” Teachers may have a wealth of knowledge, but sometimes, they need to prioritize the current lesson over random inquiries.
- “Please stop licking the desk.” It’s unclear why some students find the need to taste their workspace, but it’s definitely a phrase teachers never thought they’d say.
- “Yes, being a teacher means I never have a normal sleep schedule.” Late nights grading papers and early mornings preparing lessons mean that teachers often sacrifice a typical sleep schedule.
- “No, I can’t magically make your grade improve if you don’t turn in your assignments.” Teachers can guide and assist, but ultimately, students need to take responsibility for their work.
- “Please stop stapling your hand to the bulletin board.” It may sound unbelievable, but sometimes teachers need to intervene when students use office supplies inappropriately.
- “Yes, teachers do have lives outside of the classroom.” Contrary to popular belief, teachers are not robots solely dedicated to their profession.
- “No, I can’t pause time so we can stay in recess forever.” Kids often wish for endless playtime, but teachers need to maintain a balanced schedule.
- “Please remember that I am a person, not a walking encyclopedia.” Teachers are knowledgeable, but they have limits too, and students need to respect that.
These are just a few examples of the unique and unexpected phrases teachers find themselves saying every day. Despite the challenges, being a teacher is a rewarding profession filled with memorable moments and the opportunity to make a difference in students’ lives. So, the next time you hear one of these phrases, remember that teachers are doing their best to educate and guide their students through the ups and downs of the educational journey.
