When Teachers Do That Thing They Do
We’ve all been there. Sitting in class, halfway paying attention, when your teacher does that thing—you know, the quirky habit or unexpected reaction that makes you think, Why are they like this? From overly dramatic pop quizzes to their uncanny ability to detect a whispered conversation from across the room, teachers have a unique way of keeping classrooms lively (and students on their toes). Let’s unpack some of those classic teacher moments that make school life… interesting.
—
1. The “I Can Multitask Like a Superhero” Vibe
Picture this: Your English teacher is mid-sentence explaining Shakespearean metaphors when a student’s phone buzzes loudly. Without missing a beat, they pause, lock eyes with the offender, and say, “Jessica, if that text is more important than iambic pentameter, feel free to share it with the class.” Then, as if nothing happened, they seamlessly return to analyzing Macbeth.
How do they do it? Teachers seem to possess a sixth sense for distractions. Whether it’s spotting doodlers, side-talkers, or someone secretly scrolling TikTok under their desk, their radar for mischief is unmatched. It’s equal parts impressive and mildly terrifying.
—
2. The “Due Dates Are Sacred” Mentality
You: “But I had soccer practice/family stuff/my dog ate my printer!”
Teacher: “And I have a grading rubric.”
Nothing gets between a teacher and a deadline. They’ll accept late work… technically. But prepare for the subtle (or not-so-subtle) side-eye when you hand it in a day late. Some teachers even deploy the “-10% per day” penalty, turning procrastination into a math lesson you didn’t ask for. Harsh? Maybe. Effective at teaching responsibility? Absolutely.
—
3. The Pop Quiz Ambush
One minute, you’re zoning out while they recap the water cycle. The next, they’re casually dropping, “Take out a half-sheet of paper. This’ll be a quick assessment.” Cue the panic.
Why do they do this? Rumor has it, pop quizzes are less about torture and more about keeping everyone awake. Teachers know that nothing motivates focus like the threat of an unannounced grade. Plus, it’s low-key hilarious to watch the class collectively sweat over questions they definitely should’ve reviewed last night.
—
4. The Whiteboard Wizardry
Some teachers treat whiteboard markers like magic wands. They’ll write in perfect cursive, draw shockingly detailed diagrams, or color-code notes like a Pinterest influencer—all while narrating their thoughts aloud.
But here’s the catch: If you dare to mimic their artistry? Good luck. Your attempt to recreate that photosynthesis diagram will look like a toddler’s finger painting. Meanwhile, they’ll erase their masterpiece in seconds, leaving you wondering if you hallucinated the whole thing.
—
5. The “I’m Not Mad, Just Disappointed” Look
Forget detention—the worst punishment is when your usually upbeat teacher hits you with the look. You know the one: raised eyebrow, slight head tilt, and a sigh that says, “I expected better.” Suddenly, you’re consumed with guilt, vowing to never again forget your homework/throw a paper airplane/snort-laugh during a silent reading session.
It’s a quiet power move, really. No yelling required. Just pure, weaponized emotional intelligence.
—
6. The “Relatable” Attempts to Be Cool
When Mrs. Thompson references a TikTok trend or Mr. Rodriguez tries to use Gen-Z slang, it’s equal parts endearing and cringe. “Hey, fam! Let’s yeet this essay outline!” they announce, while the class exchanges please make it stop glances.
But let’s be real: We low-key love it. Their efforts to connect with students—even if it’s awkward—show they care enough to step outside their comfort zones. Plus, it gives the class something to laugh about for years to come.
—
7. The Mysterious Teacher Lounge Lore
Teachers vanish into the lounge between periods, sparking endless student theories. What happens in there? Do they discuss grades? Swap classroom war stories? Plot world domination? The aura of secrecy only adds to their enigmatic reputation.
(Pro tip: If you ever need a teacher to spill the tea, catch them during lunch duty. They’re more likely to share stories when they’re scarfing down a sandwich.)
—
8. The After-School Personality Glow-Up
Seeing your teacher at the grocery store feels like spotting a celebrity in the wild. Wait, you mean they don’t live at school? Suddenly, they’re in jeans, buying avocados, and chatting about Stranger Things like a normal human. It’s a surreal reminder that teachers have lives beyond grading papers—even if we prefer to imagine them hibernating in a classroom until sunrise.
—
Why Teachers Embrace the Quirk
Behind every eye-roll-inducing habit is a method to the madness. Strict deadlines teach accountability. Pop quizzes reinforce retention. The “mom friend” scolding? It’s because they genuinely want students to succeed. Teachers juggle lesson plans, classroom management, and 25+ unique personalities daily—all while trying to make quadratic equations mildly entertaining.
So next time your teacher does something baffling, remember: Their quirks are survival tactics honed over years of herding cats (aka students). And let’s be honest—school would be way less memorable without those “Why are you like this?!” moments.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a sudden urge to apologize to my 10th-grade biology teacher for all the times I “forgot” my lab goggles. Some lessons stick with you forever.
Please indicate: Thinking In Educating » When Teachers Do That Thing They Do