How do teachers feel about depressed students? I’m so mentally ill so I can’t do my work sometimes and I’m worried they think I just don’t care. Can you differentiate between the two? Thank you so much!

Teachers are not mind readers.  We try to help as much as we can, but there needs to be some communication from the student, as well.  For me, I can sometimes tell something is wrong, but, until I have confirmation from the student about what is wrong and we have taken action for help, I have to treat students equally.  If, for example, you don’t hand your assignment in on time and everyone else has, unless we have had a conversation about it and tried to help your situation, you will have consequences for not submitting your work.  I try to reach out to the student to initiate a conversation, but they need to tell their teacher the information in order for their teacher to try to help them in every aspect of their life (including personal, academic, familial, etc).  

I hope you reach out for help.  If you do not have a good relationship with one of your teachers, talk to any staff member in the school, whether it’s a guidance counsellor, principal, secretary, custodian, ANYONE.  In my experience, the students who do speak and ask for help find it a relief, as accommodations can be made to help them.  It is easy to become overwhelmed, but, believe me, most (unfortunately, I cannot say all) people who work in education are there to HELP THE STUDENTS IN ANY WAY POSSIBLE.  They want to see you SUCCEED in life.  Ask for help – it won’t be judged or go against you.

How do teachers feel about depressed students? I’m so mentally ill so I can’t do my work sometimes and I’m worried they think I just don’t care. Can you differentiate between the two? Thank you so much!

Teachers are not mind readers.  We try to help as much as we can, but there needs to be some communication from the student, as well.  For me, I can sometimes tell something is wrong, but, until I have confirmation from the student about what is wrong and we have taken action for help, I have to treat students equally.  If, for example, you don’t hand your assignment in on time and everyone else has, unless we have had a conversation about it and tried to help your situation, you will have consequences for not submitting your work.  I try to reach out to the student to initiate a conversation, but they need to tell their teacher the information in order for their teacher to try to help them in every aspect of their life (including personal, academic, familial, etc).  

I hope you reach out for help.  If you do not have a good relationship with one of your teachers, talk to any staff member in the school, whether it’s a guidance counsellor, principal, secretary, custodian, ANYONE.  In my experience, the students who do speak and ask for help find it a relief, as accommodations can be made to help them.  It is easy to become overwhelmed, but, believe me, most (unfortunately, I cannot say all) people who work in education are there to HELP THE STUDENTS IN ANY WAY POSSIBLE.  They want to see you SUCCEED in life.  Ask for help – it won’t be judged or go against you.

My teachers do this a lot and I don’t know why. They ask question then just pick on a random student. But it’s like idk the answer thats why i didn’t. Sometimes its even like I’m just having a bad day i’m not in the mood, or even just the fact that I get like anxiety. Do teachers understand that or do they just pick someone because no one has their hand up? I apologise if this made no sense what so ever. Lastly – what type of students are your favourite :)

I can’t speak for every teacher, but I will sometimes pick a random student when I can tell they aren’t paying attention, I believe that they know the answer and I’m giving them a chance to show what they know, or I try to involve shyer students to inspire some confidence in them.  I try to be aware when students have a bad day or have anxiety, and would have separate conversations with them to ensure they feel comfortable.

I’m not sure what you mean by “type of students,” but I don’t have favourites.  All students, regardless of who they are when they enter my classroom or are in the school, deserve the same respect, consideration and care.  There are some who don’t often show they deserve it, but they deserve it all the same; I don’t know what demons they may be facing outside of school, and I am not the person to judge them for that.  I try to provide a safe place for students to be and to talk.

My teachers do this a lot and I don’t know why. They ask question then just pick on a random student. But it’s like idk the answer thats why i didn’t. Sometimes its even like I’m just having a bad day i’m not in the mood, or even just the fact that I get like anxiety. Do teachers understand that or do they just pick someone because no one has their hand up? I apologise if this made no sense what so ever. Lastly – what type of students are your favourite :)

I can’t speak for every teacher, but I will sometimes pick a random student when I can tell they aren’t paying attention, I believe that they know the answer and I’m giving them a chance to show what they know, or I try to involve shyer students to inspire some confidence in them.  I try to be aware when students have a bad day or have anxiety, and would have separate conversations with them to ensure they feel comfortable.

I’m not sure what you mean by “type of students,” but I don’t have favourites.  All students, regardless of who they are when they enter my classroom or are in the school, deserve the same respect, consideration and care.  There are some who don’t often show they deserve it, but they deserve it all the same; I don’t know what demons they may be facing outside of school, and I am not the person to judge them for that.  I try to provide a safe place for students to be and to talk.

hey, something I’ve always wanted to know, as a student there is real life struggle of wanting to be best friends with teachers, is this something teachers face to? have you ever wanted to be best friends with a student but can’t cause of laws?

Teachers need to find their own friends. Teachers and students can form bonds that could turn into friendship years later, but not during school or right after graduation. If there is a teacher seeking a friendship with a student, he/she likely has ill intentions and/or isn’t too focused on being a good teacher. Be cautious.

hey, something I’ve always wanted to know, as a student there is real life struggle of wanting to be best friends with teachers, is this something teachers face to? have you ever wanted to be best friends with a student but can’t cause of laws?

Teachers need to find their own friends. Teachers and students can form bonds that could turn into friendship years later, but not during school or right after graduation. If there is a teacher seeking a friendship with a student, he/she likely has ill intentions and/or isn’t too focused on being a good teacher. Be cautious.

What is the sweetest thing a student has ever done for you?

I normally don’t answer questions (I get a lot of silly ones about shipping students), but this one is too cute not to answer.  For two years, I taught high school to adults ranging in age from 18-60.  They had left school and then decided to return, both for a number of reasons; they all had copious personal, financial, family, mental, physical, illness, career, and many more problems and issues.  During my second year there, my grandmother passed away.  One student gave me a sympathy card, but it was one that had already been filled out for him.  He crossed out his name and the original message written to him, and said, “Sorry, I’m poor, but I don’t need this anymore.  I wanted to show you that I’m thinking of you during this time.”  It showed me the difference teachers can make on students’ lives, in that they feel such a connection to try to support their teacher during hard times that aren’t even close to the hard times the students experience.

Thank you for asking 🙂

What is the sweetest thing a student has ever done for you?

I normally don’t answer questions (I get a lot of silly ones about shipping students), but this one is too cute not to answer.  For two years, I taught high school to adults ranging in age from 18-60.  They had left school and then decided to return, both for a number of reasons; they all had copious personal, financial, family, mental, physical, illness, career, and many more problems and issues.  During my second year there, my grandmother passed away.  One student gave me a sympathy card, but it was one that had already been filled out for him.  He crossed out his name and the original message written to him, and said, “Sorry, I’m poor, but I don’t need this anymore.  I wanted to show you that I’m thinking of you during this time.”  It showed me the difference teachers can make on students’ lives, in that they feel such a connection to try to support their teacher during hard times that aren’t even close to the hard times the students experience.

Thank you for asking 🙂