Help, My Teacher is a Nightmare!

Teacher getting you down? Here’s how to handle the sitch before they squash your fresh fall vibe.

Your crush is in four of your classes, and your bestie's locker is right next to yours. Even cafeteria lunches are a tad tastier. So far, this year is amaze...except for That. One. Teacher. (Already picturing someone? Then you know what we’re talking about.)

The two of you just don’t click, and you feel they’re putting major stress on your academic life. Teacher troubles, begone! Break out your tablet and take notes, because we’ve identified the five toughest teacher types—and we’re schooling you on how to deal with them.

The no-reason nemesis

WHO THEY ARE Seems this teacher has taken a liking to just about everyone…but you. When your classmates start a chatfest in the back of the room, Teach laughs, telling the group to save the juicy gossip for lunch. But when you whisper to the guy in front of you to help you decipher the impossible handwriting on the board? Instant detention. What gives?

WHAT TO DO Ask yourself a few questions (and answer honestly): Have you talked back to that teacher in the past? Is showing up to class fashionably late a trend for you? Do you mumble critical comments under your breath?

If your answers to those questions are a firm “no, no and no,” schedule a one-on-one conference to sort things out, stat. Explain your side of the sitch without any blame or assumptions: “I feel you’re being extra hard on me” over “You always pick on me over everyone else. More than likely, your teacher isn’t even aware you feel singled out.