Bridging the Gap: 5 Reasons Why Students Don't Like Teachers and How to Improve Teacher- Student Relationships
India White • August 14, 2023
5 Reasons Why Students Don't Like Teachers
Bridging the Gap: 5 Reasons Why Students May Not Like Teachers and How to Improve Teacher-Student Relationships
Have you ever had an encounter where you were directed to work with someone that was assigned to help you, and the vibe was off? Have you met someone that you didn’t quite care for and didn’t know why? Sometimes, this is a part of human nature, and students aren’t exempt from feeling like they just “don’t like” their teacher. However, is it possible to help someone that doesn’t like you? If so, how would you approach this awkward situation?
Teachers: Understand that you play a crucial role in shaping the lives of students in their classrooms. However, it is not uncommon for students to develop negative feelings towards their teachers. As educators, it is essential to understand the reasons behind this disconnect and work towards building stronger relationships.
Let's will explore five common reasons why students may not like their teachers and provide tips to help bridge the gap:
1. Lack of Empathy
One of the primary reasons students may not like their teachers is a perceived lack of empathy. Students want to feel understood and supported, both academically and emotionally. Sometimes, a teacher’s empathy is not fully expressed due to them finishing up their explanation of a math problem to the class, getting caught up in a transition, and other body language mishaps that take place. Sometimes, teachers can give off a “vibe” of disinterest, apathy, or cultural incompetence that can cause an offense to students. To address this, teachers should be intentional in actively listen to their students, show genuine interest in their concerns, and create a safe space for open communication.
By demonstrating empathy, teachers can foster a positive classroom environment that encourages students to engage and participate. Students are a sponge, constantly doing their best to “feel” where their teacher is “coming from” as they interact with their students in the classroom. Some ways that teachers can express empathy to students in their classroom is by respecting and valuing differences, noticing and actively rejecting stereotypes, and navigating through social situations ethically and fairly with all students.
Acknowledge pain points of students, and help them find a safe place in your classroom so they can progress academically with their peers.
2. Ineffective Teaching Methods
Students may become disinterested or frustrated when teachers employ ineffective teaching methods.
For instance, a teacher might be very “particular” about keeping rows straightened, returning pencils on time, and holding up a peace sign to signal that they have to get up. Some of these techniques can be seen as over the top, demanding and boring for students who may have outgrown these types of signals and procedures. There are other teaching methods that could be ineffective, including taking away promised opportunities for students to make up an assignment, be restored to a group of friends or having a particular role in class to be rescinded due to the students making the teacher upset.
To overcome these hurdles, educators should strive to incorporate a variety of teaching strategies that cater to different learning styles. By using interactive activities, multimedia resources, and real-life examples, teachers can make their lessons more engaging and relevant. Additionally, seeking feedback from students and adapting teaching techniques accordingly can significantly enhance the learning experience.
When striving to support students with effective teaching methods, teachers must become proactive at implementing strategies that meet the needs of all learners and are clearly understood by students. For instance, in the article titled, “Demystifying the Grading Process” with Harvard Business Publishing Education, Mark Renella writes about the importance of teachers establishing clear expectations, giving students the opportunity to improve and discussing grading criteria with students. Students should not have various expectations throughout the school year, leaving them feeling confused, deceived and betrayed. Even when there are moments of disagreement and disappointment during instruction, students should still be confident in the grading procedures and policies established by their teachers in the classroom.
3. Lack of Personal Connection
Building a personal connection with students is crucial for fostering a positive classroom environment. Students are more likely to enjoy and respect teachers who take the time to know them individually. Further, students will do anything for their teachers that they’ve established a strong and healthy relationship with. In order to strengthen the personal connection with students, teachers can learn to show genuine interest in their students' lives, hobbies, and aspirations. Simple gestures like remembering their names, asking about their weekend, or acknowledging their achievements can go a long way in establishing a personal connection. Further, teachers can ask for student input during word problems, classroom projects, and even the establishment of rules and procedures. Students want to feel like they belong, and having a personal connection with their teachers is key.
Studies have shown that students of diverse and ethnic backgrounds bond better with teachers they feel like they’ve established a connection with. In various cultural groups, developing a strong relationship is more important than the task at hand. When teachers are aiming to connect with learners of diverse backgrounds, there must be a willingness to become “open” and embrace elements of culture, language, and the way of life in efforts to reach each learner where they are.
4. Unfair Treatment
Perceived unfair treatment can quickly sour the relationship between students and teachers. It is essential for educators to treat all students fairly and equally, regardless of their academic abilities, background, or personal circumstances. When students approach a teacher regarding a situation they’ve encountered in which they feel like there’s been some type of injustice, teachers must do their part in investigating the matter to ensure that all voices are heard and that decisions to restore all parties involved are made fairly without bias and partiality.
Teachers should avoid favoritism, listen to all students' opinions, and provide constructive feedback that helps students grow. In efforts to help teachers with this task, leaders at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln mentioned the concept of “propriety”, in which teachers act in a socially acceptable manner that does not offend students’ sensitives.”
I like to refer to this as using “velvet gloves” with all learners. By creating a fair and inclusive classroom environment, teachers can foster trust and respect among their students.
5. Lack of Engagement
Students may not like teachers who fail to engage them in the learning process. Sometimes this is due to personality and cultural disconnects, or moments of misunderstandings during instructional delivery. However, teachers don’t always “catch” moments in which they lost students during the discussion of the math problem, hence, leaving them behind and “unengaged.” To combat this, teachers should strive to make their lessons interactive and relevant. Incorporating group activities, discussions, and hands-on projects can significantly increase student engagement. Additionally, teachers can encourage student participation by asking open-ended questions, providing opportunities for student-led learning, and incorporating technology into their lessons.
Stanford University elaborates on other ideas for teachers improving student engagement, including asking open-ended questions, having students explain their reasoning to other students, and even offering multiple versions of activities or assignments.
Sometimes, educators must help get their students up and interacting with their peers by helping them to continue to push forward with opportunities for mathematical discourse, peer-to-peer collaboration, and moments to express their learning through various learning styles.
Conclusion
Building positive relationships between teachers and students is crucial for a successful learning environment in the classroom. By understanding the reasons why students may not like their teachers and implementing the suggested tips, educators can bridge the gap and create a classroom atmosphere that fosters mutual respect, engagement, and growth and stronger relationships with each learner. Remember, a teacher's impact extends far beyond the curriculum, and by nurturing positive relationships, we can inspire and empower our students to reach their full potential.
🎙️ Let’s Get Gritty: How Grit Carried Alexander Rivera Across the Graduation Stage This week’s episode of the Let’s Get Gritty podcast is one you don’t want to miss. We had the incredible honor of sitting down with Alexander Rivera, a recent high school graduate who beat the odds with one powerful trait—GRIT. Alexander’s story is more than just a celebration of academic achievement. It’s a living testament to how resilience, perseverance, and the right support system can transform a young life. In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Alexander shares how Dr. India White’s G.R.I.T. framework—which focuses on Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—helped him push through obstacles that once seemed insurmountable. 🎓 From Setbacks to Success Alexander opens up about the challenges he faced during his educational journey, from personal struggles to academic hurdles. But instead of giving up, he pressed forward—step by gritty step. He attributes much of his transformation to learning how to: *Develop a growth mindset when failure felt final * Bounce back with resilience after every setback * Believe in his own ability even when others doubted * Manage his time intentionally to meet his goals With this mindset, and through the support of educators and mentors who believed in him, Alexander proudly walked the graduation stage this week—a moment he once thought would never come. 🍎 Nuggets of Wisdom for Educators, Families & Leaders In the episode, Alexander doesn’t just share his story—he delivers gold. He offers practical advice for: * Teachers: “Don’t give up on students. See past their struggle and speak to their potential. It’s your voice that sticks in our heads.” * Students: “You’re not alone. Keep pushing. Grit isn't about perfection—it's about consistency.” * Parents: “Your encouragement matters more than you realize. Even if your child doesn’t say it, they hear you.” * Principals & Superintendents: “Create opportunities for students to recover, grow, and prove themselves. Every student deserves a second chance—and sometimes a third.” 🙏 Gratitude and Paying It Forward Alexander shares his deep gratitude to Dr. India White for her mentorship, wisdom, and for showing him what it looks like to lead with grit. He also gives heartfelt thanks to The Honorable Susan Valdes, who stood by him and helped pave a path for his success. But Alexander isn’t stopping here. He’s committed to paying it forward—to becoming an educator who pours into the next generation, just as others did for him. His goal? To help students not just survive school, but thrive with grit. 💥 Final Thoughts Alexander Rivera reminds us that grit is not reserved for the gifted—it’s grown in the trenches of trial. His journey encourages us all to see every student as capable of greatness, if we’re willing to support, uplift, and believe in them—relentlessly. 👏 Tune in to this powerful episode of Let’s Get Gritty to hear Alexander’s full story. Then ask yourself: How can I help build grit in someone today? 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. \#LetsGetGritty #GRIT #StudentSuccess #DrIndiaWhite #AlexanderRivera #PayItForward #GritInEducation #GraduationVictory #BuildingGRIT
Join us on the grit and equity talks podcast as we talk about grit rebuttals!
Gritty Strategies for Thriving in Schools Amid Budget Cuts As school districts across the United States brace for nearly $7 billion in budget cuts for the upcoming academic year (Hersher, 2025), teachers and administrators are facing the daunting task of doing more with less. While these financial constraints can feel overwhelming, impacting everything from special education to extracurricular activities, they also present a unique opportunity: to rise with GRIT. Drawing from Dr. India White’s Grit Framework, which emphasizes growth mindset, resilience, self-efficacy, and time management, this blog offers practical, research-based strategies for educators determined to not just survive, but thrive, during these challenging times. 1. Cultivate a Growth Mindset in Staff and Students During budget shortfalls, it’s easy to focus on what’s lacking. But fostering a growth mindset,t he belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed, can spark transformation across your school community. According to Dweck (2006), students and educators who embrace a growth mindset are more likely to persist through adversity and show improved academic outcomes. Celebrate small wins, reframe setbacks as learning moments, and create a culture where effort is as valued as outcome. 💡 Tip: Post quotes or examples of growth in action in classrooms and staff rooms to reinforce the mindset daily. 2. Collaborate and Maximize Collective Resources With fewer funds available, collaboration becomes essential. Teachers can form professional learning communities (PLCs) to share lesson plans, instructional strategies, and creative workarounds. Beyond the school walls, building partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and families can bring in vital support. As noted by NPR, budget cuts often open up new grant opportunities and public-private partnerships, especially for educators who can demonstrate innovation (Hersher, 2025). 💡 Tip: Designate a team or “innovation committee” to search for and apply for grants, sponsorships, and in-kind donations. 3. Leverage Low-Cost and Free Technology Technology can help stretch limited resources , allowing teachers to enhance instruction without additional expenses. Digital platforms, educational apps, and open educational resources (OER) can supplement instruction and boost student engagement. Investing time in professional development focused on edtech ensures educators are confident in using tools that enhance—not complicate—the learning process. 💡 Tip: Use tools like Google Classroom, Khan Academy, Desmos, and Flip to support blended and flipped instruction models. 4. Prioritize Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) In times of stress and uncertainty, students' mental health and emotional well-being must remain a top priority. SEL programs help students build emotional intelligence, empathy, and resilience; traits that directly influence academic achievement and school climate. The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL, 2021) reports that SEL positively impacts classroom behavior, emotional regulation, and long-term life outcomes. 💡 Tip: Incorporate daily SEL check-ins, gratitude journals, or mindfulness breaks, even if just for a few minutes each day. 5. Stay Informed and Advocate Educators must remain proactive by staying up-to-date on funding policies, legislation, and opportunities to advocate for their students. Knowledge is power; staying informed helps teachers push for what’s needed at the school, district, and even state levels. 💡 Tip: Subscribe to education policy newsletters or join advocacy groups to stay in the loop and mobilize when needed. 6. Foster Grit in Students Through Real-World Challenges Now more than ever, students need to learn how to persevere in the face of difficulty. Dr. India White’s Grit Framework encourages educators to instill the values of resilience, purpose, and perseverance. Incorporate problem-based learning, goal-setting activities, and reflective journaling. When students are given ownership of their growth journey, they rise to the challenge. 💡 Tip: Celebrate grit—not just grades. Acknowledge students who push through obstacles, take initiative, or support their peers. Final Thoughts: Turn Cuts Into Catalysts While budget cuts present undeniable challenges, they also provide a powerful moment to reflect, reset, and reimagine. Educators who lean into grit, collaboration, and creative thinking can transform adversity into innovation. By focusing on what we can do—and drawing strength from one another—we ensure that every student has a fighting chance to succeed, regardless of circumstance. Quick Gritty Tips Recap 1) Foster a growth mindset in classrooms and staff meetings. 2) Build collaborative partnerships within and outside of your school. 3) Integrate cost-effective technology and OER resources. 4) Keep social-emotional learning at the forefront. 5) Stay informed and proactive about funding changes and opportunities. 6) Embed grit-based learning experiences to develop student resilience. References Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning. (2021). Effective Social and Emotional Learning Programs: Middle and High School Edition. Dweck, C. S. (2006). *Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House. Hersher, R. (2025). Trump School Funding Grants.NPR. Retrieved from (https://www.npr.org/2025/07/01/nx-s1-5453457/trump-school-funding-grants) White, I. (2021). Grit Workbook for Teachers. Retrieved from https://www.india-white.com . Are you ready to implement these strategies in your school? Let’s connect! Dr. India White offers Grit Workshops, Grit Training, and Leadership Coaching to help educators overcome challenges and inspire excellence. 👉 Schedule a consultation or workshop today! Together, we can rise above budget cuts—and lead with purpose, passion, and GRIT. 💪📘✏️
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Join on the Grit and Equity Talks Podcast with Dr. India White as we talk about Grit!
Hello CAMT Family, A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended the session Peter and I presented on "From Productive Struggle to Perseverance." We are so grateful for your energy, your insights, and your deep commitment to growing gritty learners in the math classroom. As you return to your schools and teams, I encourage you to keep in mind the difference between state and traits . Struggle is often a state—temporary and situational—but perseverance is a trait—something we can build and nurture over time. Let’s continue to help our students shift from temporary struggle to lifelong perseverance by developing resilience, self-efficacy, and a growth mindset and time management in our schools . As a special thank you for attending, I’m offering my G.R.I.T. Workbook at a conference-exclusive price of only $15! This resource is filled with practical strategies and reflections to help students and educators build Great Resilience in Time. Grab your copy and order for your school here ! 👉 To grab your discounted workbook or to schedule a workshop, G.R.I.T. training, or educational consultation, click the link below and book your appointment today: 1) Free Consultation Appointment : 2) Book Dr. India White here : Finally, I want to take a moment to say that my thoughts and prayers are with all of Texas as you navigate the aftermath of the recent floods. We see you. We stand with you. And we are lifting you up. Let’s stay connected, keep building G.R.I.T., and continue turning moments of struggle into stepping stones for success. With gratitude and perseverance, Dr. India White Let's Stay Connected! Email: indiawhiteconsulting@gmail.com X: Indispeaknteach Blusheky: drindiagrit IG: Indi238 FB: Msindiawhite YT: Theindiawhite Tiktok: drindiawhite
From Rotten Moments to Sweet Blessings: What Banana Bread and Fermented Foods Teach Us About Life Sometimes life hands us what feels like rotten bananas; situations that seem spoiled, broken, or beyond hope. Maybe it’s a tough season of loss, failure, disappointment, or uncertainty. Yet, just like those overripe bananas transform into delicious banana bread, or milk ferments into nourishing cheese and yogurt, our "rotten" moments have the power to turn into something sweet and life-giving. Why Rottenness Can Be Good In the culinary world, fermentation, a process that uses “rottenness” to transform foods , creates some of the healthiest, most flavorful staples we enjoy: yogurt, cheese, sauerkraut, kimchi, and more. This “rottenness” isn’t waste; it’s a powerful agent of change that unlocks nutrients, improves digestion, and promotes health. Similarly, life’s difficult seasons are not the end. They are part of a process— a fermentation of our character, faith, and grit When we lean into these moments with grit—great resilience in time—we develop strength, wisdom, and sweetness in our souls that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. 7 Ways to Overcome a Negative Mindset and Embrace Grit in Rotten Seasons 1. Acknowledge Your Feelings Without Defeat It’s okay to feel hurt, frustrated, or discouraged. But remember, these feelings don’t define you. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” 2. Shift Your Perspective to Growth View challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. Romans 5:3-4 reminds us, “Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Just like looking at a bunch of rotten bananas can seem discouraging until you shift your thinking and see them as a perfect ingredient for banana bread, choose to see your moments of rottenness as a game changer for your destiny! 3. Practice Patience Through the Process Good things take time— like fermentation and baking . Wait on God’s timing. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything.” Think of how spoiled milk seems disgusting and gut wrenching, until you learn of how wonderful of an ingredient it becomes for homemade cheese! Trust the process, and know that it will all work out in your favor! 4. Cultivate Resilience by Staying Connected Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage you to keep going. Galatians 6:2 teaches, “Carry each other’s burdens.” Sometimes, that person might be the catalyst for a new direction, new energy and exponential success. 5. Focus on Small, Consistent Steps Break down overwhelming problems into manageable pieces. Z echariah 4:10 encourages, “Do not despise these small beginnings. ” Don't lose sight on your progress, your identity or your purpose. 6. Renew Your Mind Daily Replace negative thoughts with truth and hope from Scripture. Philippians 4:8 advises, “Think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure.” Remember that God is not dead, and he sees exactly how his plan in your life will manifest. Leave your worries on the throne and know he will justfiy you. 7. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection Every small victory is a sign of growth and sweet fruit to come. J ames 1:12 says, “Blessed is the one who perseveres.” Just as you are making banana bread, cheese, yogurt and other wonderful foods, you know that there might be bumps along the way, but keep pressing on! The final product is worth the moments of struggle disappointment and rottenness. You will smile in the end. Conclusion Remember, just as rotten bananas, milk, and vegetables become nourishing foods through a process of transformation, your tough seasons are preparing you for a sweeter, stronger tomorrow . Stay gritty, endure the process, and trust that God is turning your struggles into something beautiful. For more encouragement and practical ways to build grit in your life, visit my website at www.india-white.com . You can also watch my TEDx Talk, The Power of G.R.I.T., for a motivating boost to help you keep pushing through life’s challenges. Keep rising. Keep growing. Your sweetness is coming.
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Join us on the Grit and Equity Talks with Dr. India White, featuring Choosing to See Co-Author and Equity Expert, Dr. Pam Seda! #drindiawhite #pamseda #choosingtosee #equity #icucareframework #nctm #ncsm