13 Things Teachers Should Never Say

Some teachers have the gift of language down pat. They know how to use their words in a way that everyone around them feels good about themselves and motivated to do their work. However, there are some teachers out there who let their adult sense of humor and frankness go too far. What one person may think is perfectly acceptable language, another may find rude and hurtful. I asked my education colleagues and members here on TheApple to share quotes they'd heard but wish they hadn't. Think about your words carefully, because once you've spoken, there's no taking it back.

Don't Insult a Student's Capability of Intelligence

#1: A teacher to a parent: "Your child just isn't that bright."

No matter how friendly you are with a student's parent, there is never an appropriate time to utter those words. Some children are not as gifted as others, but there is right and wrong way to share information with parents. One might be to present the facts about performance (with examples) and let the parent ask questions. When delivering difficult information to parents, always try to have one gem to share, like a great test score, social occurrence, or artistic ability. Even if you think the particular student isn't doing well academically, there could be outside factors to consider. It's your job to make sure you help the student succeed to the best of their ability.

#2: "You guys can't get this?!? You all are getting dumber by the minute."

No matter how frustrating it is to get a concept across to students, using strong negative language will not motivate your students. If your students are having trouble grasping information, it's better to take a step back and approach your instruction from a different angle, like cooperative or small groups. Putting students down will not help you in the short or long term, and language like that could get you in big trouble with parents and administration- even if you said it in jest.

Don't Squash Student Spirit

#3: A teacher to a student: "Try harder. You're not stupid!"

Telling a student to try harder without giving any other insight is NOT a good motivational tool. The "s" word (stupid) should never be used in your classroom- especially by you. If a student is trying as hard as they can with the tools you've given them, words like this will only serve to frustrate the student.

#4: "You're not gonna amount to anything, anyway."

Teachers can not see into the future, so don't do any kind of fortune telling in class. You have no idea what each student will turn out to be, so don't speculate. Encouraging students to be their full potential is part of teaching, no matter how hard it may be to find what each student's talent is. Every student does have unique potential and the best of teachers find it and use it as motivation. No matter how upset you are at a student, don't let your anger get the best of you by saying something you'll regret later- and can't take back.

Don't Share Private Information

#5: A teacher to a parent: "I'm not sure why Johnny didn't ace his test. His best friend Jimmy made a 94%."

#6: A teacher to a parent: "Sure, I have Mrs. Brown's telephone number. She didn't publish it in the directory, but I'm sure she wouldn't mind me giving it to you."

Students are free to share their personal information with their classmates, but teachers should never speak of a student's performance or personal information with others. Speaking in generals is fine, like "I really enjoy having Jimmy in class, he puts forth great effort." Getting into particulars with non-school staff is not professional. Sharing this kind of information with others could be grounds for dismissal. Check your schools staff handbook to make sure you comply with these kinds of privacy issues.

Don't Over Promise and Under Deliver

#7: A teacher to a parent: "Are you asking about the science projects from last month? I haven't gotten around to grading those yet. Too busy!"

If you're too busy to grade things you've assigned, then you may need to examine why you're assigning the homework or projects you are. Students should be able to get instant feedback, whether it be through a rubric or quick grading. If they don't get feedback sooner rather than later, how do you know that students are learning what you're teaching? Assessment, informal or formal, should be a factor that drives your instruction.

#8: A teacher to an administrator: "I promise every student in my class will score above 90% on the next standardized test."

While personal goals such as this are great motivation tools for teaching, sharing them, or worse, promising them, is not a great idea. Rather, say "I'd like for every student in my class..." You don't want to be on the chopping block for not keeping promises you've made.

Don't Show Favoritism

#9: A teacher to another teacher or parent: "Sally & Erin are just my favorite students."


While you may have favorite students, letting others know who they are can cause problems. They may start to question if grading and behavior treatment is fair and equal in your class.

#10: This is the "worst group in the whole school."

While some groups may seem better than others, most times it's the time of day or state of mind. Telling one group of students that they are the worst means you think there's a group or groups that are the best. Labeling groups out loud will not cause them to straighten up or become magically quieter and more well-behaved. Try a different approach- one that's positive for everyone involved. Like, "Because another class I had today was quiet, we got to try this experiment outside. Would you all like to earn that privilege?" This way, you're telling the class what they need to do to earn something they probably want to do. Everyone wins!

Don't Exhibit a Lack of Enthusiasm for Curriculum

#11: A teacher to a class: "Today we're going to learn about fossils." The class groans. "I know, I know, it's boring, but we have to learn about it for our science curriculum."

Teaching students something new does not have to be boring! In fact, good teachers can find the most exciting ways to present information to students that others would normally find boring. Making learning exciting is a teacher's job- so be creative and have fun teaching!

Don't Accept Less than the Best

#12: A teacher to a principal after an observation: "I didn't have a lesson plan for that one. I usually don't plan anything out. I just teach whatever the kids are most interested in."

While student interest is a great way to direct lessons, not planning at all - and letting your administrator know about it- may be a great way to get ousted from your current position. Make sure your principal doesn't catch you off guard and you can back up what you're doing with solid curriculum standards. Don't prepare anything but your best for your students.

#13: "I can't wait until I get a real job."

Teaching is a real job, and if you always act that way, your students will take you more seriously.