Q&A for How to Deal With a Mean Teacher

Talk to your school's counselor to address the issue so they can speak with the teacher.

Ask the students. Talk to them one-on-one so they feel more comfortable being truthful. If a teacher is yelling at students for no reason, calling them names, or punishing them excessively for minor infractions, the students are being mistreated.

Calmly give the professor your side of the story, and if they don't believe you, go to the dean of students and tell them. They can't punish you for cheating if they can't prove that you did.

First, talk to your parents about this. If they refuse to help, talk to the principal about it. Your school counselor, perhaps being familiar with the teacher, may also have some helpful suggestions for dealing with this situation.

Either go to the principal's office and tell them you want to make a complaint about a teacher, or tell your parents and ask them to call the school to complain.

If he was being really mean to the other kids, you did the right thing by complaining to the principal, and your teacher is being really unprofessional by trying to find out who made the complaint. You shouldn't feel like you have to tell him it was you (and I suggest you don't), and if he continues pressuring you or mistreating the other kids, you should complain again or tell your parents about it and ask them to call the school.

Make sure the test is really graded incorrectly. If it is, tell them about it. It may have been a mistake, and your classmate may have done something extra. If this is not the case and if your teacher doesn't listen to you or explain your grade to you, talk to the principal or ask your parents to call the school.

Bring it up to your principal, or to your parent, or both.

The teacher might be picking on nice students because they don't reply back and are quiet. You should try to defend yourself, but not too aggressively. You should also talk to your parents about it.

Not paying attention in class, not doing homework or school tasks, bullying other students, and/or skipping school/class.

Reassess what question you asked and whether or not you asked it at an appropriate time. If you really have no idea what you did wrong, approach him/her after class and politely tell them that you are not sure what you were punished for and you would like to know so you don't repeat the mistake in the future.

Do well in class. Be polite and go out of your way to help your teachers and the other students. Be on your best behavior. Your teachers will eventually learn that you are not your sister.

You should record your teacher being mean. If you have a phone, take it and record it. This way you have proof no one can deny.

Why are you so worried? Have you done something wrong? If you're not misbehaving in class and you're doing your work, you really have nothing to worry about. Even if you do slip up once in a while, most teachers will understand; everybody makes mistakes. Try talking to someone about this, like a parent, guidance counselor, or even one of your teachers. Sometimes just talking about something that makes you anxious can really help.

Make a complaint to the principal, or tell your parent about it and ask them to call the school to complain. Be prepared with examples if you go to the principal, and if anyone has witnessed them bullying you, bring that person with you to corroborate your story.

Tell your parents, and see if they will talk with your teacher or principal. You could approach the principal yourself. Then school board would be a last resort if you and your parents are unable to get help with the situation.

Because he/she thinks you’re not studying or paying attention in class when you get the wrong answer. Your teacher just wants you to work harder so you will improve.

Different teachers have different policies when it comes to absences. If your teacher gives 0s on tests, he/she is probably just trying to make sure everyone comes to class on those days. You might be able to convince them to let you make the test up if you bring a doctor's note, or you can try asking about extra credit opportunities.

Try to find out why they're mad. Were you not following directions? Did you not practice like you were supposed to? Just apologize, tell them you'll work harder, and try to get back on track with your lessons.

If they did or said something that you think was really wrong, like they yelled at you in front of your classmates or called you names, tell your parents. They can have a conference with the teacher, or even file a complaint with the principal. If they didn't do anything wrong and you just got upset about being punished, just try to get over it and move on. It happens to everybody at least once.

Your teacher should know whether or not you're doing your schoolwork. If you're not turning things in, he/she has a right to be upset. Do your schoolwork and you shouldn't have this problem. If you're assignments in and your teacher is losing them or saying he/she never got them, talk to the principal about this, or tell your parents and ask them to call the school to discuss it.

Then you will have to decide if the issue is serious enough to bring up with the principal or your parents. Keep in mind that sometimes people just have a bad day, so you don't want to judge your teacher too harshly.

Most teachers always want their students to do well, and some teachers take it the wrong way when students fail. Remember that everyone fails or makes mistakes.

Tell the principal, and tell your parents so they can call the school and file a complaint. Most likely, if they've done this to you, they've done it to others as well, and probably shouldn't be teaching at all.

Just try to do well, in general. Focus, study and work hard. Also, be sure to be kind to your teachers and others, to show you are a good person.

Try to explain that you felt rushed and were unable to do a good job because of this, and tell him/her that it really hurt your feelings when they ripped up your paper. If they do not apologize, and/or if something like this happens again, tell your parents and ask them to call the school and complain.

Why can't you answer? If they're asking a question and you don't know the answer, simply say, "I don't know the answer, I'm sorry." If you mean you don't know what to say when they're angry and yelling at you, don't say anything. If they ask you a question like, "Do you understand me?" just say, "Yes [ma'am/sir]" and then apologize for whatever you did.

It's unlikely that this will happen. You can tell the principal that you'd like your complaint to remain anonymous if you're really concerned. Even if they find out, they're not going to confront you about it, and if they do, you should get your parents involved, because that could be interpreted as bullying.

She gets mad when you bring up what other people are doing because you're questioning her authority and acting like she doesn't know how to do her job (manage her students). Do what you're supposed to be doing, turn in all your work on time, and your teacher won't have any reason to yell at you. Don't worry about what everybody else is doing.

If she's truly telling you to go away when you ask for help, you can report this teacher to the principal. Explain exactly what's going on and they should have a talk with her about her behavior. It's a teacher's job to help her students.