"You want kids to come to class? You want them to get excited?"

[Addison]

15. I'm sorry, I didn't realize a degree means you're immune from criticism

"I have a MAEd, so anytime a student actually challenges me on methods, I ask them if they have had fillings installed in their teeth or any other dental work, extractions, anything? When they say yes, then I remind them that they were there all along while the dentists worked on them, and so they wouldn't mind extracting or filling their own tooth next time, would they? "

This is the typical reaction of many teachers to even a hint of criticism. It's highly ironic. Teachers spend more time evaluating, criticizing, ranking, and sorting others than perhaps any other profession, but when any evaluation is directed at them, it becomes the crime of the century -- especially when it comes from a student.

Do you realize how authoritarian you sound when you say "anytime a student actually challenges me on methods," as if you are amazed at the temerity of anyone who would dare to "actually challenge" your methods?

You may be able to silence your students' criticisms, and you can reassure yourself that your precious MAEd is incontrovertible proof of your infallibility as a teacher, but I assure you that silence or compliance on the part of your students does not necessarily equal agreement or respect. The history lessons contained in Ms. Phung's World History class could no doubt confirm that.