Dear StudentMom,

I think one of my teachers hates me. I am not getting very much feedback on my papers and when I do, it's bad. I see she writes more on other people's paper. She never smiles and when I see her in the hallway, she acts like she doesn't even know me. I need to do well in this class. What do I do?

Worried on the Westside

Dear Westie,

Some teachers (new ones especially) don't really know what to do with an older student. Some may feel intimidated. However, the most likely scenario is that she doesn't know you. Not out of any feelings about you but just out of sheer numbers. Chances are she's carrying several classes. Maybe she is giving more feedback to students she had in prior classes. Maybe she is just bad with names - many teachers are. See if this helps...make sure you are being a good active listener in class-- take notes, make eye contact, ask questions when appropriate. Also, email or call and make an appointment to see her. Ask her to explain some of the errors on your paper. Just the act of going and seeing her shows a genuine interest in learning the material. All teachers want that for their students and you will be making a great investment in your education.

StudentMom

 

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Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.
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