<p>My AP bio teacher doesn't like me.
This might not seem like such a big problem to you. I've had teachers before with whom I did not get along, to say the least.
But it is, for me. Here are a few reasons why:
-She's my college counselor. In my school this is a BIGGIE. (Classes are small in my school so she multitasks.)
-She's the science chair, and is thus involved in everything I do (science classes, science club, Intel cohort).
-I'm considering a career/major in science so she will be a MAJOR recommender for college, even besides her role as my counselor.
My problem is that I did not distinguish myself at all (to say the least) in her chem class last year (I got in the high 80s to low 90s, which is on the higher side of average but lower than in many of my other classes), and this year I've gotten more into science (bio mostly). I'm even considering medicine as a career (if I can get past med school without passing out), but she seems to be comparing me to how I was last year and thinking that I'm just trying to suck up. Every time I raise my hand she responds with some kind of a sarcastic response, and if (actually, when) I'm the only one who does the suggested reading (which was really good, btw- called Survival of the Sickest) she has this bloodcurdling "death look" accompanied by this curled lip that I find really frustrating, because I AM trying to be serious about science this year and she's not helping.
End of rant.
Any suggestions on how to deal? Commiserations? My major concern is passing through the college planning/applying stage unscathed.</p>
<p>Wow, I don<code>t think teachers should act like that. They</code>re there to teach, and shouldn<code>t act like that, even if you had some major issues…they</code>re supposed to help the student learn, not disslike them. </p>
<p>Maybe you should try expressing you interest for science vocally? Or has this already been done?</p>
<p>I would just continue to plug away. Her opinion may not change quickly, but eventually it probably will. Also, I assume you go to a private school. Private schools will not write a bad LOR - it is important that their grads matriculated to nice schools so that students will continue to apply/register.</p>
<p>Sorry that you have to deal with this situation. This is not how a teacher should act.</p>
<p>I agree with Holocene. Continue what you are doing, and eventually she should catch on. If you think it could help, maybe consider talking to her and letting her know that you are trying to improve from last year, etc. (tell her what you are feeling without stepping on any toes)</p>
<p>Thanks for responding, guys!
Holocene, you’re right that she wouldn’t write a bad LOR, but she might end up not supporting adequately any applications to science-based programs and as the science chair she will be a big part of my recommendations when it comes to science. And my school is a parochial school with a slightly lower than average college matriculation rate, and people are not necessarily going for the college admissions (though that is actually more of a factor than I realized before you made me think about it). Her advice and research will probably be tainted by her opinion of me.
The problem is that in general, the people she likes usually end up with some sort of an advantage. I don’t know exactly yet because I’m only a junior, but past and present seniors have told me that some students have found out about scholarship opportunities and internships before others or even to the exclusion of others because they were in her “inner circle.”
I’ve expressed my interest in science by being one of three people to join two extracurricular science programs- the max possible. They’re both really interesting and I don’t regret joining at all, and thus I’m really frustrated about being scorned like this.
I considered talking to her (or possibly my principal, who likes me, just to ask what she thinks I should do), but I’m never sure that it’s actually a good idea with her.
The thing is, this teacher’s a great teacher who I actually like and respect a lot as a teacher and scientist. So this whole thing is really frustrating.</p>
<p>Maybe an afterschool meeting with her and start the conversation with “I think we got off to a bad start…” Then explain all the positive points and the fact that you were not doing as well as you could last year and please not hold it against you. As long as you don’t accuse her of anything, directly or indirectly, it might help.</p>
<p>Yeah, I am thinking about talking to her, to the extent that every time I walk into her class I plan a speech in my head. But it all goes “poof” as soon as I actually see her.</p>
<p>You can’t control what she thinks but you can choose not to be scared of her. You do think she is knowledgeable. Ask to meet her after school and tell her you have recently become interested in science and start the conversation. If she tells you off or is sarcastic, try to stay calm and listen. When she is finished just say something like 'I am sorry that you feel this way. I realize I did not show a strong performance last year but I sincerely want to improve. Is there anything I can do?" You have no idea what that outcome will bring, but you are not happy with the way things are and this is one way to hopefully change them. Talking to the principal or going behind her back is not really conducive to any kind of relationship. If she really is that difficult to deal with, then perhaps getting another recommendation from a teacher who likes you will be a better option, but you have nothing to lose by trying this first.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, there is no other such teacher (at least for science- otherwise I do have other teachers for recommendations) and she’s the only college counselor. I don’t think I’m actually SCARED of her- she just doesn’t have a personality really conducive to heart-to-hearts. Maybe I’m in denial, I don’t know :), but she’s not very approachable. I am going to try again (I’ve just had fall break so I’m going back tomorrow) and I’m going to see how it goes.
My aim in talking to my principal would NOT be for the principal to do it all for me. It would be more to brainstorm solutions and maybe for her to give me more insight into the teacher’s personality so I can deal with it better. Maybe it’s not such a hot idea. I’m going to figure out where things are going when I get back from break.
Thanks for everyone’s responses!</p>
<p>Good luck!!</p>
<p>I find that when people are difficult to deal with, it’s because of something in them, not me. I don’t know about your school, but I find that the principal’s job is to support the staff. I think they deal with parents a lot, but in my experience have sided with the teachers.</p>
<p>Sometimes I think just breaking the ice, being clear that you would like to do better, and asking her advice would acknowledge that she is indeed the expert in what you want to learn. I think there is so much pressure on teens to be super competent, but what 17 year old (or any age) does not need advice? Expressing your recent interest is fine (how many kids change majors?). </p>
<p>She could be super nerdy and not great with heart to hearts, but she has to have one!!</p>
<p>Good luck and I hope it goes well.</p>