Have you ever been more scared than inspired by a teacher? We all know that one teacher who used to be nasty and mean to kids for no apparent reason, right? Sometimes, they’d yell at you for not knowing an answer, or worse, they’d then call you to solve it on the board in front of the whole class. Today is Teachers’ Day, a day when we celebrate the people who impart valuable knowledge and prepare us for life. But when you know professors like these, this special day comes as a glaring reminder of the trauma of school life. Are you a parent struggling to understand if the right teacher is teaching your kid? Look out for these signs of a toxic teacher at your child’s school.

1. Taunts a child in front of the whole class

This is one of the most common signs of a toxic teacher. When you’re “below average” or your performance is “not satisfactory”, some teachers make it a point to taunt kids in front of the whole class. But they don’t realise that these children will continue to get mocked and bullied by their classmates long after the teacher leaves. Whether it’s for poor marks or a consistently low performance in class, no child deserves to be shamed like this.

2. Shows favouritism among their own students

In any job, it’s natural to take the easier route to success. For some teachers, however, this generally means giving more attention to kids who are already doing well. Making more effort with high performers means they can maintain a high class average. This often results in other kids feeling left out. They might even fall further behind since their own teacher showed no faith in them.

3. Shames children in front of their parents and their friends’ parents

This is the story of all PTMs in school. Children are often shamed by their teachers in front of their parents and their friends’ parents. Imagine your parents being called to your office every time you screwed up at work. Or your boss, who you’re terrified of, yelling at you in front of your parents and your colleagues. Even the thought hurts, doesn’t it? Then why is this the norm for parent-teacher meetings? For an impressionable and already scared child, being made to stand like an accused in court can be scarring for life.

4. Punishes kids for not doing their homework

This is a constant in most schools. Teachers routinely punish kids for not doing their homework instead of trying to understand why they couldn’t. There is always a reason, no matter how small or big. And it’s vital for teachers, the people shaping these kids for life, to understand why they’re lagging. From issues at home or a lack of understanding, it could be anything. Punishments for not doing homework never solve these problems.

5. Scolds a child for not keeping up in class

The Indian education system is not easy to navigate. No one can argue against that. So, when a child doesn’t grasp a particular subject, they shouldn’t have to feel bad about it. But some educators make sure they do, and that’s a sign of a toxic teacher. It’s far too common to see a child being pulled up for not understanding a lesson. And that is not their fault. If anyone is to be blamed, it’s the teacher who obviously failed at their main job. Instead of scolding a child for something that’s not in their control, it would be much better to make an extra effort to help them catch up with the rest of the class.

6. Tells kids that marks are everything

High marks are not the only thing you need to succeed in life. But most of us realise this only when we’re adults. While schools do lay stress on extra-curricular activities, they start fading away in the higher classes. Then it’s just about the marks. Every single day, it’s drilled into a child’s brain that if they don’t get high grades, they won’t make it in life. Marks are important, yes. But as we grow up, we realise that marks don’t guarantee success in life. Everyone, no matter what sort of marks they get in school, has to work hard in adulthood.

Teachers’ Day isn’t happy for everyone. So while we’re celebrating the good ones, let’s also remember not to let the bad teachers get away with irresponsible, damaging behaviour.

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Related: Teachers’ Day 2025: Honouring My Exes, Toxic Friends, And Nosy Relatives For Schooling Me