Why do some teachers play favorites?

Question

Does it bother you? It bothers me a ton.

Answer 1

I am a teacher, I have taught in a regular education classroom as well as special need classroom. I don't think teachers intentionally have favorite students. I do tell my students that if they say "yes" to me, I will in turn say "yes" to them.
For example, if i have student who works in class and finishes the work, makes corrections as necessary, that child will get more priviledges (free time, computer time, library time, treats, etc) than the student who is not working in class.

You are not going to want to read this, but maybe you should not just blame the teacher for having favorites, but look at the bigger picture. Are there things that one student is doing (so called favorite?) that the other is not?

I asked my students one day to write down the name of my favorite student and give me three reasons why they felt that way. (Ok, now I am bragging) Most of the students wrote down their own name!! Nope, no favorites here, I love them all, and somehow they realize it. The students that wrote someone else's name gave the reasons that they had more priviledges. Generally it was the students who had recently got in trouble in class. Go figure.

Answer 2

It's just natural that people like someone more or less than another person. And, it's okay. The only way it isn't okay is if a teacher is giving breaks to a student or grading more leniently. As long as the teacher is being fair and consistent don't get worked up over it. Students have favorite teachers, too, you know.

Answer 3

Let's face it, teachers are human too and we sometimes do like some students personally more than others. However, as a teacher, you simply cannot allow that to get in the way of being fair to everyone in class.

Personally, I do not play favorites and always try to be fair.

Answer 4

Think of it this way, teachers have a tough time getting their points across in today's classrooms. Students are disruptive, have home problems, do not want to be there etc.....SO, when students take a liking to the subject area, enjoy the teacher etc....there is a respect for what is being taught. This is a teacher's passion to teach his dedicated subject area. If a student is tuned, he is a favorite.

Answer 5

Teachers are human and respond to certain personality types like we all do. That's normal. You have your favorite teachers, right?

However, if the teacher is grading a student more leniently or otherwise showing measurable and provable favoritism, report the teacher.

Answer 6

i am a teacher: i have favorites, but i wish i did not. it is human nature. we are doing a job and we tend to like those students who make our job easier and we tend to dislike those that make it more difficult, just like in any job... don't you like teachers that do not bother you a lot?? the same, but backwards. now: one thing is liking someone and another one is giving them a special treatment...that is a "no no", i agree.

Answer 7

perhaps it's YOUR attitude or demeanor !
To be very honest I do let the students I trust, extra time on the computer or allow them to go to the library.
Why should I be worrying where those other students are, or up to no good while I am not watching ! !
Bottom line,I do play favorites ! !
But I will never change their grades regardless of who they are ! !
Students have favorite teachers also !

One of my philosophies to my students :
What you respect , you will attract !

Answer 8

I think its just the way humans are. We just naturally like some people more than others. Although its not fair teachers are the same way.

Answer 9

Im a child care teacher and I have 4 kids in my class who are my favroites. I believe i love them more because they listen to me,respect me and NEVER give me any trouble. Their parents also have excellent communication with me. I think that helps me be a better teacher to them.

Answer 10

Because teachers suck at least most. Some arent that bad ,but sime really piss me off.