What Are Some Weird Things That Teachers Have Done?

It seems that the classroom is not only a place of learning but also a hotbed for various peculiar and amusing incidents. From Halloween costumes to unconventional working practices, teachers have a way of making moments memorable. Here are some stories that might surprise and amuse you:

A Witch Who Wore Victoria’s Secret

One Halloween, a teacher made a bold fashion choice when she came to school as a witch. Complete with a pointed hat, the costume was, of course, the headline. However, the real surprise came when she took off the costume – revealing that her regular clothes were from Victoria’s Secret. Despite the intense look on her face when she discovered the snake, she kept up the act, walking around the classroom in the revealing outfit. This switch in attire from a quirky witch to what might be described as a high fashion Victoria’s Secret model added an extra layer of amusement to the day.

The Rubber Snake on the Desk

Another amusing incident involved a teacher who found a rubber snake on her desk. When she reached for her paperwork to begin the lesson, the snake nearly startled her, and the sheer panic that ensued was nothing short of hilarious. For the next twenty minutes, she continued with her lecture, her face red and her fingers shaking as if the very presence of that rubber snake was a tangible threat. The absurdity of the moment made it one of the most memorable in the class.

Teachers Arriving in Pajamas and Mid-Workday Breaks

Beyond the quirky costumes, some teachers exhibit surprising behavior in the classroom. Some show up to work fully dressed in their pajamas, while others leave middle-of-the-class meetings abruptly at 3:00 PM. These impromptu departures can interrupt the flow of the lesson, but they certainly add an element of surprise and humor. Another peculiar practice involves teachers working while they are deemed contagious with COVID-19. These oddities might seem strange, but they are part of the unique rhythm of the classroom experience.

Unconventional Practices in the Classroom

Teachers are often faced with unconventional practices due to union policies and administrative guidance. One such example is the provision of candy to students as an academic reward. Despite protests from unions and parents, teachers continue to work excessive hours outside of the school day, often without pay. Additionally, alternate assessments are given to students with special needs to ensure they can still earn satisfactory grades.

Another practice is giving failing grades for assignments that have not been submitted, sometimes as many as fifty failing grades. This is done to ensure that all students have the opportunity to demonstrate "mastery" regardless of their submission status. However, this practice can be seen as unfair when students submit assignments weeks or months late. Teachers are expected to give equal access to assignments and grading to all students, even if the work is submitted long after the deadline.

Consequences and Unintended Outcomes

Furthermore, teachers are often required to have no penalty or consequence for unexcused absences, as long as the work is eventually submitted. In contrast, teachers face the burden of reteaching, rescorining, and providing additional support for students who skip class. These practices create a system where all students receive extended deadlines and extra time, making it challenging to motivate students to learn and study diligently.

The result is that some students have become adept at manipulating the system. They wait for friends to return their work so they can learn from correction and submission. This manipulation is considered "shady" by the teacher and administration. The overemphasis on graduation rates is seen by some as a result of these practices, but the underlying issue is that students are learning to rely on their peers rather than applying themselves academically.

These stories highlight the diverse and sometimes unconventional nature of the teaching environment. While some practices may seem odd or even problematic, they reflect the complex and multifaceted challenges faced by educators. Understanding and addressing these issues is crucial for maintaining a balanced and effective learning environment.