do teachers really have their favorite students?

Question

or is it just that the students get paranoid?

Answer 1

Teachers do have their favorite students. I was a teacher's assistant in high school and discussed it with the teacher I was helping. I also have a couple of friends that have become teachers and they've confirmed that, as well. Although they don't allow their students to know their preferences, they do have favorites.

Answer 2

I have students I favor nearly every semester, but it's because they work hard and care about the material. I tell my students on the first day of class that I'll work as hard for them as they work for me. A student who comes into my class expecting an easy A and does the bare minimum to get by doesn't get too much of my time--but then again, it's fairly obvious I'm not getting too much of his or her time, either, so I think it's fair.

If a student ever feels as if he or she's being discriminated against in some way because of favoritism, I'd suggest going and talking to the teacher. By expressing your interest in the class and in improving your work, you show the teacher that you care and that you should be taken seriously as a student. Maybe the teacher has just gotten the wrong impression of you to start. A quiet student may come off as disinterested, for instance, when really he or she is just really shy. Don't ever be afraid to speak up for yourself, because sometimes just talking to a teacher can help to resolve a tense situation or misunderstanding.

Favoritism, like anything, can go too far, though. I've heard stories from some of my students about professors in other departments, ones who've been teaching for years and have job security but treat most of their students like crap. It's a shame that it happens, and students can be pretty helpless when it does.

Answer 3

As a teacher yes of course we do. it is human nature. But a good teacher will not let the students know it or allow those feelings to intefere with grading and treatment. If you want to be a Teachers Pet just act interested in the class, participate in the class ask intelligent questions, show that you are trying to learn and any teacher will love you!

Answer 4

YUP! I have favorite students, but I NEVER tell them. In fact, if you went into my class you would think that I hated my favorite students, because I work them harder than the others, and expect more from them. Anyone who says they love all their students is being dishonest with themselves - it's human nature to like some people and dislike others. The trick is to not convey our personal feelings to our students.

Answer 5

I'm a Teacher and I'll admit that I do have "favorites". We are human beings. Personally, the students I choose to favor are not always the smartest children..Although we do admire smart children, I tend to favor students who are in Foster Care, or who have lost their Mothers--yet who still have positive attitudes and a love for learning. Many children probably wonder why I am "softer" with certain children--but they dont know the real reason why I am more kind and compassionate to that child

I also tend to be more lenient to young black male children who are abandoned by their parents (I have a student now like that), because I understand their anger that emerges from time to time--and I make allowances for that....I also find myself more protective and more kind to children with disabilties--like autism.

Overall, I treat all children Fair, but I have a soft spot in my heart for the students WHO ARE LESS FORTUNATE. I dont "feel sorry" for them, but I admire their strength and abilty to overcome great struggle to beat the odds.
Peace

Answer 6

You sure you're not in love with him? If you want to really become his favorite student, you can start by getting on your knees.. On a serious note, the best way to impress him is by pretending that you care about the stuff he teaches, ask him questions about the field.. ask him how he got interested in teaching what he teaches.. etc.

Answer 7

Oh, yes. But kind and fair teachers will do whatever they can to make sure that that favoritism is not apparent to the students.

I agree with the commenter who expressed that teachers, as human beings, react to other people with likes and dislikes naturally.

Answer 8

yes I got favored a lot and some teachers didn't like me but then again they were mostly women who were stuck up snobs and favored the snobs usually. But most teachers favored me when I got into highschool because I was ahead of the class and was able to help other people out. That was only Language Arts though because I was advanced.

Answer 9

Yes, teachers do have favorite students.
It's human, but a good and fair teacher would never show it or favor those students.

Answer 10

Absolutely. I am teaching 30 years and have had about 6 favorites. And I am not ashamed to admit it. I would do anything to help them succeed in life. Others I barely remember their names, nor care to.