Planet Numeracy

There can be various reasons why students might lie about teachers either to the school or their parents. It's essential to recognize that each case is unique, but a scary trend is becoming more apparent to many educators. Over the last 3 decades, I have witnessed schools (unwittingly or not) adopt the oppressor/oppressed model espoused on social media and in the main-stream media. When students sees themselves as oppressed, the teacher is the most convenient target of oppressor. Students and parents don't even realize it, because it is so insidious. In that light, consider the most common reasons for students to fabricate stories about their oppressors. 1. Personal Grudge Sometimes, students may have personal issues or conflicts with teachers, such as disagreements about grades and other behavioral consequences. In such cases, a student may fabricate stories to gain support or sympathy. The best thing for a young adult to do is to talk to the teacher. When the student goes to who they perceive is above the teachers' heads to report bogus grievances, this is almost certainly a personal (perhaps mental health) issue. 2. Desire for Attention Students may lie to attract attention, either from the principal, their parents, or their peers. Fabricating stories about teachers can be a way for some students to feel more significant or to divert attention away from other issues they may be facing. Don't know your times tables in 7th grade? You could either use some flashcards to fill the gap... or you can off-load the blame on your oppressor. Teachers are the easiest people to off-load blame on, because they have no tools to fight the grievance. They have to take the thrubbing. 3. Fear of Consequences If a student is struggling academically or behaviorally, they might lie about a teacher to deflect blame or avoid facing consequences for their own actions. This can be a defense mechanism to protect themselves from perceived negative outcomes. Old-school would be to learn from mistakes, and try harder next time. New-school is to blame someone else for your failures. This is a recipe for disaster in the future. The future employer may not care if the employee serendipitously discovers themselves. They are hired to contribute to the bottom line of the business. 4. Control Freak Sometimes, students may not necessarily be struggling with the content but might feel disconnected or dissatisfied with the classroom environment. They may use lying as a way to express their discontent or frustration. They may or may not rule the roost at home. If they do, they may be trying to exert control over other aspects of their life. If they do not rule the roost, they may be attempting to remedy the helplessness they feel while at school. A strong-willed confident teacher is often their foil. As a result, stories are fabricated. 5. Retaliation In cases where a teacher has disciplined a student or had to record a poor grade, the student may lie as a form of retaliation. The teacher didn't prepare them, surprised them, etc. They often hope to cause trouble for the teacher out of a sense of anger or frustration. (Good luck if you're in a state where teachers are organized.) The student usually tries to go over the teacher's head... guidance counselor, sympathetic principal, etc. The worst retaliation is one that is about inappropriate relationships or contact. When I was in college, I personally saw this end a student-teacher's career before it ever began. Although the accusation was false, the Commonwealth would not issue his teaching certification. This type of accusation bleeds into #6 below. 6. Psychological Issues This was saved for last, because it is serious and used to be a touchy topic. Nonetheless, more students (and parents) suffer from mental health issues than ever before. Some speculate that it is increased ability to diagnose and the reduced stigma of mental illness. The most serious of lies are lies that have the potential to ruin a teacher's career. These career-ending lies most certainly come from a student (or parent) who is not well. Bottom Line? Seasoned administrators are aware of all this, but classroom teachers -- especially new classroom teachers -- must be aware that their livelihood can be under attack on a fairly consistently basis. This is unfortunate, but know that education starts at home. When a child immoral parents or mental health issues arrives in a system that allows students to do or say anything with impunity, there goes getting an education. It's crucial for educators, administrators, and parents to approach these situations with an open mind and gather all relevant information before making conclusions. Many well-meaning adults have confirmation bias in these cases, and school administrators are extremely busy. And when the school culture adopts the oppressor/oppressed model, this country is in danger.

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