Reply to I just learned that a student hates me

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I know that I am being silly and shouldn't let this bother me, and I certainly would not change my behavior with this student, but...my feelings were really hurt and I have been thinking about it all weekend.

I thought I enjoyed good rapport with my students, and have a reputation for being a "good teacher" in our school community.  On Friday morning, I overheard one of my students talking about me to her friends (they didn't realize I was in a room--not my classroom--beside their lockers that morning).  The girl is a junior I have taught since she was a freshman, and I have to admit she's always been a favorite of mine.  But she was mocking the way I talk, and my appearance, and it was really vicious...and some of her classmates were laughing.  The students don't know that I overhead them, and I won't tell them.

This student has repeatedly requested me as a teacher three years in a row.  She frequently emails me links to articles she finds that relate to what we are reading in class, and seeks me out to talk confidentially about problems she is having with friends, etc.

Anyway, I know I need to put my big girl pants on, but it was really hurtful.  I guess I'm venting here because I need to get it out before Monday, and be ready to go in my old cheerful self.  My DH helpfully pointed out that "most students laugh at their teachers", but it doesn't make me feel better.

Is this normal among your teens?  Do they mock their teachers, even the ones they like?  My own DS (in college now) would never have done this in front of me because he was a teacher's kid and his teachers were my colleagues. [/quote]

I don't disagree with the other posters recommendations to either say nothing or use this incident as a teaching experience for her, but I do see her seeking you out for 3 years, sending articles and asking personal advice, combined with her talking trash about you to her friends as rather manipulative. Manipulative of you, and manipulative of her peers as well. I agree she will want a college rec and it is at least possible that she has cultivated you toward that purpose. Don't think so? I certainly had peers like that.[/quote]

I'm the OP, and yeah, I've been thinking that.  She really wants to go to my alma mater, and has mentioned this multiple times.  She also mentioned that she'll be asking me to do a letter of rec for her.

I do think I will calmly mention to her that I heard what she said; I will mention it and say little more, and let her think about it.  
[/quote]

THat is exactly what I would do.  Her response would dictate how much of a limb I would go out on for her at the college.    [/quote]

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