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It takes a special type of human to become a teacher. To choose that line of work and then to follow through and actually survive every day is bravery at its best. Your class is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get. It might be a mix of sweet, salty, sour, soft and hard, but many teachers will admit that despite the struggles, their work brings them great joy. They’re shaping and molding the next generation. And they deserve all the thanks in the world.

Someone recently asked teachers to share their most unhinged hacks: the ones that could make a first year teacher’s jaw drop, or have veteran educators slow-clapping in amazement. Hundreds of comments came pouring in. Some were really sweet, while others were plain savage. Bored Panda has put together a list of the best in a nod to all the teachers out there doing the most to survive and make sure our children thrive.

#1

“Tell Me Your Most Unhinged Teacher Hack”: 40 Tried And Tested Answers I drew a heart on the white board and if I (or another student) caught a student doing something kind, they wrote their name in the heart. At the end of the week, those kids with three or more names in the heart got to have lunch with me on Monday and share about their weekend. It changed my whole classroom dynamic and the toughest kids bought into it most. I had to keep making bigger and bigger hearts to hold all the names

citizen_cake_scv , Nikhita S Report

Lady Lestrange
Community Member
6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is a one of a kind gesture. You're a great teacher.

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Many teachers put their heart and soul into their work. They show up day after day for their students, and some go above and beyond in, and out of, the classroom. They are essential in shaping the future by bringing out the best in our future leaders. Yet, statistics paint a bleak picture of the state of education and the conditions that teachers are being forced to operate under.

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According to the The Global Status of Teachers 2024 (GST) report, teacher shortages constitute a crisis with profound implications for education. A separate UNESCO report reveals that there's an urgent need for 44 million primary and secondary teachers worldwide by 2030. Sub-Saharan Africa is especially affected, warns UNESCO, adding that the region needs an estimated 15 million new teachers by 2030.

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    #2

    “Tell Me Your Most Unhinged Teacher Hack”: 40 Tried And Tested Answers I used to teach high school seniors. One day I asked for quiet. Asked again. Raised my voice a bit and asked again.
    Then I looked at a quiet girl in the front row and said at a normal volume, “Do you think it would help if I said ‘shut the f**k up’?”
    The girl practically fell off her chair laughing. Several nearby heads swiveled toward me in shock.
    “Did you just…?” “Wait, what? What did she say?”
    I got multiple requests to say it again. I said, “Nope, you missed it. Be quieter next time.”

    aunt_deen , Getty Images Report

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    #3

    “Tell Me Your Most Unhinged Teacher Hack”: 40 Tried And Tested Answers I apologize when I've messed up, lost patience, raised my voice. I let my students know I'm a person, I'm fallible, and I show them what being accountable looks like.

    brietur5 , Getty Images Report

    North America and Europe are also battling, warns UNESCO. "Despite well-resourced education systems, these regions struggle to recruit and retain qualified educators, posing significant challenges to educational quality and equity."

    The U.N. educational body revealed that many teachers are leaving the profession within the first five years. "Attrition rates among primary teachers almost doubled from 4.62 per cent globally in 2015 to 9.06 in 2022," notes the UNESCO report. Being overworked, underpaid, having poor working conditions, and a lack of professional support are among the reasons they're quitting.

    #4

    “Tell Me Your Most Unhinged Teacher Hack”: 40 Tried And Tested Answers I always took kids out in the hallway for a private check-in when things went sideways. Half the time, the answer to “What’s going on for you today?” was a heartbreaking summary of the c**p they had been dealing with outside my classroom.

    janelldelaney_ , cottonbro studio Report

    Taro Obanagi
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No one ever did that to me and I was a mess since childhood to well into adult life 😭

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    #5

    “Tell Me Your Most Unhinged Teacher Hack”: 40 Tried And Tested Answers I am a Principal's Secretary, I coach, and I drive a bus. I am blessed with great students. But in the past [since I'm an hourly paid employee] on a rowdy buses I've subbed to help out ...I'd pull over, park, put my feet on dash and start reading a book.
    When they ask... I say, "Y'all the ones that want to get home, I get paid by the hour. So ... I'm good to sit here and get paid to read until I can drive Y'all safely.".... instant calm cause they want to be home

    lateacharose , Getty Images Report

    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My bus driver did this once or twice. We had a horrendous time on our bus. In Australia we use a regular public bus, in this case chartered for a school route. It was always really full, some days we would have been over capacity. We had people sitting on the space for bags as well as on the floor and standing. I would always get on last as mine was one of the first stops and it was virtually impossible to get past everyone to reach the doors otherwise. It was a challenge as well because I was so short I couldn't really reach the handles hanging from the ceiling so had to stand where I could hold onto the back of the seats.

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    #6

    Young female teacher holding a microphone, smiling and engaging in unhinged but effective teaching methods. I start singing obnoxiously loud when my students won't stop talking. Works every time. I can’t sing, so they don’t wanna hear it

    _beasimonee , Mikhail Nilov Report

    Phantom Phoenix
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When you can turn a perceived weakness into a superpower!

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    Education International (EI) spoke to 204 teacher unions across 121 countries to get a clearer picture of the current state of teaching conditions, and find out more about the crisis. "According to unions, the most significant factor contributing to these shortages is inadequate pay and compensation," notes the EI report.

    "Additional drivers include limited career progression, ineffective management practices, excessive workloads, and low professional status—challenges rooted in the broader issue of the teaching profession's low status in many countries," the report adds.

    #7

    Teacher helping a student with classwork in an empty classroom, demonstrating unhinged but effective teaching methods. When a kid is on 10 and starting to realize they are on the wrong path, I keep it real. "You could easily get in trouble right now, and you'd deserve it. But I'm more interested in what you do next. Your next move needs to be your best move. So, what're you going to do to get back on the best path?" I got in trouble all throughout school and I wish somebody would've helped me decide my next move, instead of threatening me with trouble because that did not work.

    mrkinetik , Ahmet Kurt Report

    veryvenasaur
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This reminds me of the time a kid was doing something dangerous and refused to stop so I got out my phone and pointed it at the kid (no I was not actually recording that would have been mean) The kid asked what I was doing and I said, "I already told you not to do that. I'm certainly not going to climb up there to stop you. I figure the doctors will want to know how you broke your neck. Plus it will make a good youtube video." The reason it worked is one it was a final reminder to the kid that he was going to hurt himself but more importantly my perceived lack of care for his actions took the fun out of doing something he wasn't supposed to. It doesn't work on every kid but this kid loves to get a reaction out of me so the fact that I seemed to be fine with it took away the fun. (For the record I was mentally working through every way to minimize damage and catch the kid I wasn't actually ambivalent to the danger)

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    #8

    Teacher engaging with students in a classroom, demonstrating unhinged but effective teaching methods that inspire learning. “Can every one in the room who has a HS diploma raised their hand? Bachelor’s degree? Master’s degree?” Oh look it’s only me! Then why don’t you sit down and maybe learn something! Mmm ok.”

    justcallmesweet , Katerina Holmes Report

    Deta Rossiter
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    did this at well during my Teaching practical.

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    #9

    “Tell Me Your Most Unhinged Teacher Hack”: 40 Tried And Tested Answers Occasionally I choose a "Class Representative" for the day. Students don't know who it is, but I tell them I'm watching this student all day for following directions, trying their best, and respecting their classmates. At the end of the day, they can earn a prize for the whole class. Everyone wants to be the person caught doing those things and I can usually get a normally rowdy student to calm down.

    xanderolivejewelry , Taylor Flowe Report

    Taro Obanagi
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My teacher did this in fifth grade (a long time ago so fuzzy ofc) and also told everyone separately that they are the chosen one (in recess)

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    EI says that although teachers are widely acknowledged for their essential contributions to society, unions report that they are often undervalued compared to other professions and perceived as an unattractive career choice for younger generations.

    "According to unions, challenging working conditions—including excessive workloads, large class sizes, insufficient respect, and mental health challenges—exacerbate this issue," reads the EI report. "These systemic problems are frequently overlooked by governments, further compounding teachers’ negative experiences and contributing to the global teacher shortage."

    #10

    “Tell Me Your Most Unhinged Teacher Hack”: 40 Tried And Tested Answers Call the parent and give them great news about their kid! FIND SOMETHING good to say! Praise them for raising a well behaved scholar! A positive phone call home even when they don’t deserve it has been my go to hack!
    If I need to call again for a correction I now have the parent’s buy in.

    dr.derrickstandifer , Getty Images Report

    MalP
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Starting off a relationship with the parents on the right foot. great idea. Maybe not always practical, but literally awesome.

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    #11

    Middle-aged man in suit and striped tie standing confidently indoors, illustrating teachers unhinged but effective methods There was a substitute teacher (former Marine). Due to an injury, he had to wear a plastic corset around his torso. He was sent to a class that had the reputation of being uncontrollable. He went there for the first time, wearing his suit. The class really was noisy and annoying…the teacher sat down and didn’t say a word. A breeze from the windows made his tie fly around a bit. He then picked up a stapler and stapled the tie to his chest to fix it…The class was sweet as sugar from that moment on

    mamue2804 , Los Muertos Crew Report

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    #12

    “Tell Me Your Most Unhinged Teacher Hack”: 40 Tried And Tested Answers “That sounds like a you problem.” - by this time in the year, my middle schoolers have heard this so much that they start saying it to each other when they make an excuse… I had one kid even come to me and say “I have a me problem, but I don’t know how to solve it.”

    jackilagiewka , cottonbro studio Report

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    The crisis is not to be taken lightly, warns UNESCO. It's leading to larger class sizes, overburdened educators, educational disparities, and is putting financial strain on educational systems worldwide.

    In the United States alone, there were over 55,000 teacher shortages entering the 2024-2025 school year, while around 300,000 other teaching positions were being staffed by non-credentialed personnel. That's according to K12 Digest.

    #13

    “Tell Me Your Most Unhinged Teacher Hack”: 40 Tried And Tested Answers I just shadowed a teacher who on the first day of school started a hand raising system so she doesn't have to ask everytime what they want.
    Raise 1 finger for help w material or assignment, 2 for bathroom, 3 for I feel sick. She just points at the kid and nods yes or no, never skips a word on her lesson plan.

    cottoncandysprinkles1 , Arthur Krijgsman Report

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I had a student suffering from severe intestinal problems. I gave him a desk by the door and told him "If you need to go, just catch my eye and go. If you can't catch my eye, go anyway."

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    #14

    Woman teacher kneeling on grass talking to a child outdoors showing unhinged but actually work teaching moments. This one comes from my mom, and it’s absolutely brilliant. There’s a kid in her class who thought farting was the most hilarious thing they could do. So, she pulled them aside and sincerely asked “Is everything okay? Is there a medical issue I should know about? Do your parents know? I’m happy to call your mom and explain it for you so you can get help.” If they call your bluff, do it, but make the call seem like you are genuinely concerned.

    holly.reading.books , Barbara Olsen Report

    Suby
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Generally, approaching anything as a problem they need help with works like a charm. They don't want to look like they're not able to control their actions, so offering help makes them want to prove that they don't need it.

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    #15

    “Tell Me Your Most Unhinged Teacher Hack”: 40 Tried And Tested Answers When teenage boys start rough-housing, I tell them that it's okay to wanna touch each other so much but they need to do it on their own time. Then they're too busy insisting they do NOT want to touch other dudes --and also trying not to offend me, their queer English teacher-- to continue disturbing my class :)

    slytherkid , Megan Bucknall Report

    Niki
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, I do this! I say, "Ok, you two, stop flirting so we can all focus."

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    "The global teacher shortage demands urgency," warns UNESCO, adding that more attention needs to be given to recruitment, teacher motivation, well-being, retention, training, working conditions, and social status.

    "Creating attractive career pathways with equitable access to professional development, autonomy, and purpose is crucial in sustaining teachers' motivation," reads the UNESCO report. "Recognizing the multi-faceted nature of this issue and proposing comprehensive strategies is crucial to finding lasting solutions."

    #16

    Young student in yellow shirt raising hand, illustrating unhinged teacher strategies that actually work in classroom settings. I teach elementary. “Everyone point at the teacher. Ok. That’s what I thought.”

    lorijones6918 , Anna Shvets Report

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    #17

    Woman in a checkered blazer on a phone call, illustrating unhinged but effective things teachers say or do. One day one of my students cussed at me. I did not say a word to him. I called his mother and put her on speaker phone and said “what did you say to me?” I don’t even think I said hello. He was silent!! We were good from that day.

    enensia_takhi , Tima Miroshnichenko Report

    Coralinea
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That depends on the mother. Just this week I had a call with one who, upon hearing that her son kicked a student who was already on the floor answered "well, he probably had a bad day, it's not like he does this every day".

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    #18

    “Tell Me Your Most Unhinged Teacher Hack”: 40 Tried And Tested Answers My first year teaching keyboarding the kids popped off the keys on one keyboard and rearranged them to say “u mad bro”. I took all of the keyboards out, printed out keyboards on paper and made them type on paper for a few days. It was miserable but they never damaged my computers again

    taylor.dannise , Cj Report

    Education International, meanwhile, is calling on policymakers to prioritize investments in teachers’ working conditions and elevate their status to ensure equitable and high-quality education for all. "By addressing these challenges collectively, the teaching profession can be transformed into a sustainable and respected cornerstone of society," says EI.

    #19

    “Tell Me Your Most Unhinged Teacher Hack”: 40 Tried And Tested Answers When I taught highschool, fine art (painting, drawing, pottery etc) and had students be disrespectful, not following directions, I would let them know they have shown me they want to be my assistant for the day. They dont want to learn thats fine, they will learn a trade/skill and get to work. I made them do every odd job, sweep, dust, reorganize closets. Worked like a charm everytime and some semesters I had the cleanest rooms in the school

    adventuresinapot , Sandra Seitamaa Report

    Nicola Mawson
    Community Member
    6 months ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    That's teaching kids that knowing or doing a trade is negative

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    #20

    Young woman holding notebooks and a whiteboard with a hesitant expression, illustrating unhinged teacher habits that work. I looked a female student who was “acting out,” right in the eye and said to her, “I see you and all you need is love and attention.” Her entire bad girl demeanor melted and I was able to build with her from that moment.

    enensia_takhi , Kaboompics.com Report

    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One of the most important things a teacher can do to help students is to build a caring and honest relationship. In early education in Australia, our learning framework is called 'being, belonging and becoming' because all the outcomes fall into those categories. First outcome is 'children and young people feel safe, secure and supported'.

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    #21

    “Tell Me Your Most Unhinged Teacher Hack”: 40 Tried And Tested Answers My number one hack to help students course-correct with dignity:
    If a student of any age swears in front of me or makes a joke that is more edgy or unkind than they had intended, unless they are being deliberately cruel, my usual response is, “If you could go back ten seconds in time and do/say that differently, would you?” The response is always a yes.

    karenjane5 , Edmond Dantès Report

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Many high school students would say no. And I was certainly one of them.

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    #22

    Woman in a pink suit holding coffee and phone, illustrating unhinged things teachers say or do that actually work I only had issues with specific students, and a few of them I was in a texting level relationship with the moms, so when they’d get out of hand, I’d silently walk over to my phone, draft a message in moms message thread, and silently walk over and show the student the text before hitting send. I never once had to send any of those drafted texts

    great_dame710 , Kaboompics.com Report

    #23

    “Tell Me Your Most Unhinged Teacher Hack”: 40 Tried And Tested Answers I had the *student* call the parent on my room phone and report the behavior/issue so I didn’t have to.
    Only had to do that once; word spread quickly.

    blaketobey , cottonbro studio Report

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    #24

    Woman teacher in black shirt on phone near window illustrating unhinged teacher actions that actually work Me: We need to make a phone call home.
    S: So what? Nothing will happen.
    Me: Not your home. I’m calling my home so you can explain to my husband why you think your disrespect toward me is acceptable.

    divakatana , Lorena Villarreal Report

    General Anaesthesia
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "He's a marine and he just stapled his tie to his chest this morning. He might want to meet you."

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    #25

    “Tell Me Your Most Unhinged Teacher Hack”: 40 Tried And Tested Answers Call and responses to get their attention.
    EX- me: It's peanut butter... Them: Jelly Time!
    Me: And a HUSH fell over the crowd...Them: Huuusshhh!!
    Me: AVENGERS... Them : ASSEMBLE!!

    keymiester , Designecologist Report

    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The art teacher at the school I work at does 'Mona' and they respond 'Lisa'. The one other teachers are using at the moment is 'focus 1' and children clap once, 'focus two' clap twice.

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    #26

    Student in classroom reading textbook focused on learning with unhinged but effective teacher strategies visible in background. If you interrupt the audiobook more than once you BECOME the audiobook and read aloud as I interrupt you when I feel like it.

    abbynormansays , RDNE Stock project Report

    Doctor Strange
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why are you using an audiobook? Am I the only one who thinks this is weird? Shouldn't you be having the students read the book out loud anyway?

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    #27

    “Tell Me Your Most Unhinged Teacher Hack”: 40 Tried And Tested Answers Our PreK-1 building is right behind ours, so when my 4th or 5th graders are struggling with basic classroom rules, like raising hands, lining up, etc. I threaten to walk them over to the other building so those younger kids can show them how it's done.

    huntingtonehlers , Lukas Report

    #28

    “Tell Me Your Most Unhinged Teacher Hack”: 40 Tried And Tested Answers Full names in your most paternal voice possible. I have a kid to this day who will stop moving dead in his tracks because knows if I see him doing something he's not supposed to, he's going to hear all four of his names. Hes junior now. I had him in 7th grade. Especially works if they got named after their grandparent

    almosdef , Edmond Dantès Report

    JP Doyle
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even more effective for those who go by their middle names because they dislike their first name

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    #29

    Teacher in ruffled light blue blouse holding a pen with arms crossed, demonstrating unhinged but effective teaching methods. Swearing just ONCE with middle school students in a very appropriate setting gets their respect every time. “I can’t stop you from speaking or force you not to swear. But can you please stop saying f**k every other f**king word”.

    eyes_ofgrace , Anna Nekrashevich Report

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    6 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One of my very, very sheltered Catholic high school students spent a summer in Dublin on a work-study scholarship working in a pub there. I warned her that in the pub she would be hearing an f-bomb about every third word. When she returned, I asked if I had been right about the every third word. "No," she replied. "It was more like every third syllable."

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    #30

    Roll of brown tape on a wooden surface with scissors in the background, illustrating unhinged teacher hacks that actually work Years ago, when I taught middle school, I was a speech and theatre teacher. My classes were very active and participatory, obviously. Transitions could be difficult. One day, I had been working on the set for our upcoming play during my prep and I had a roll of duct tape on my arm when I went back to my room. I had forgotten it was there. My students arrived and were struggling to get settled. After asking them to quiet down so we could get started two times, I stood at the front of the room, leaning on my desk and put on my “teacher look.” It works kind of like the wave—a couple of students notice and get quiet, then a few more notice, and so on. When they were all quiet, I realized that the roll of duct tape was still on my arm. Before I started talking, I took it off and placed it on the corner of my desk. I never said a word about it, just left it there. For the rest of the semester.
    Of course, they all knew it wasn’t a threat and that I would never threaten much less actually use the duct tape, but they seemed to take it as a visual reminder to be quiet.

    knickknitter , Santi Mendez Report

    Will Mc
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Silence is Golden... Duct Tape is Silver!

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    #31

    “Tell Me Your Most Unhinged Teacher Hack”: 40 Tried And Tested Answers If a student swears in my (elementary) classroom, they get to call home and repeat the word EXACTLY as they said it. If they can say it in class they can repeat it to a parent.
    I also ask them which parent they’d prefer I call for good news and which for bad news.

    nkklyons47 , Kaboompics.com Report

    Caro Ansaldo
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I had a student whose father went to school to talk to another teacher and the principal. THE STUDENT told his parents "We will talk at home..."

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    #32

    “Tell Me Your Most Unhinged Teacher Hack”: 40 Tried And Tested Answers When I taught elementary and the kids were too loud, I would just start whispering. There’s always one kid who asks “Miss why are you whispering?” And I would respond “why are you all yelling?”. 99.9% of the time it would quiet down.

    astridmarie727 , Sound On Report

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    #33

    “Tell Me Your Most Unhinged Teacher Hack”: 40 Tried And Tested Answers If the class is unresponsive when you ask a question: “I know you don’t know the answer. But if you DID know, what would it be?” Hands shoot up.

    nancyonoe , Anastasia Shuraeva Report

    Bec
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've tried to reframe questions in math as, What do you think?, Any ideas on where to start?, What do you observe/ notice?

    #34

    Teacher engaging a diverse group of students wearing masks in a classroom discussion, demonstrating unhinged but effective methods. My daughter’s former school does the “POW and wow” circle with her students. The kids get an opportunity to tell the class something good or bad that they want to share, and the kids get to either celebrate or offer support to their classmates.

    auscgirl , RDNE Stock project Report

    Original Kinkster
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm pretty sure that POW doesn't mean prisoner of war in this case but can someone tell me what it does mean?

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    #35

    Young woman with curly hair and glasses making a shushing gesture, illustrating unhinged teacher actions that work. When a student talks over me: "Everyone quiet down please X obviously has something very important to say and we don't want to be rude and interrupt."
    Or
    "You clearly seem to be an expert on this so please go ahead and teach this lesson for me cuz I could definitely use a break."

    keymiester , Fabio Lange Report

    Fat Harry (Oi / You)
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was that annoying combination of a good student but a disruptive joker. My maths teacher once did the "well perhaps you'd like to come out here and take the lesson?" thread with me, and it backfired when I went to the front and started organising the handing out of worksheets. I think she saw the funny side, and I did then sit down and shut up.

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    #36

    “Tell Me Your Most Unhinged Teacher Hack”: 40 Tried And Tested Answers A colleague once had a poster in her high school classroom that said, “I match energy.” When needed, she’d stop class, point to the poster, and say, “Meet me halfway.”

    kellyaengland , Andrea Piacquadio Report

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    #37

    “Tell Me Your Most Unhinged Teacher Hack”: 40 Tried And Tested Answers "Everybody stand up at your desk
    Now cover your eyes with your left hand
    Now point your other hand north!"
    "Now put both your arms down at your side
    Only two of you were correct
    That means you don't know what you thought you knew, and that's why you're here
    Let's get started."

    jstirling2 , RDNE Stock project Report

    RomanceRadish
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Stand in the place where you live, Now face North

    #38

    “Tell Me Your Most Unhinged Teacher Hack”: 40 Tried And Tested Answers If you need to borrow a pencil, you have to give me something as collateral. A shoe will do. You get your shoe back when my pencil is returned to the spare pencil box. Don’t like that option?! Bring your own pencil.

    sumthinlikeaboss_17 , Pixabay Report

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    #39

    Teacher in a classroom explaining math on a whiteboard, demonstrating things teachers say or do that are unhinged but work “Let’s take that attitude of yours and bring it down to where your grades probably are so that at least one thing matches today.”

    mister.profe , Vanessa Garcia Report

    The danish woman
    Community Member
    6 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's a terribly thing to say to a child, or an adult. A very negative approach.

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    #40

    Crumpled paper in and around a trash bin under a desk, illustrating unhinged things teachers say or do that work. A student complained about doing work and said his mom thought it was ridiculous. I told him he could put it in the pile I file my other complaints. He asked where it was, I placed a trash can by his desk and kept walking.

    dream_of_color , Tima Miroshnichenko Report

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Time to dispute, amend, or discuss any policy or decision of the teacher is not available during class. The student may make an appointment after 3 p.m. for any such conversation. Students who do not comply with this policy will have such an appointment made for them."

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    #41

    Man in a black zip-up jacket drinking coffee in an industrial setting, reflecting on unhinged but effective teacher strategies. “You are testing the limitations of my coffee.”

    gsj612 , Andrea Piacquadio Report

    JB
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My coffee cup reads "tears of my students."

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    #42

    When a class is driving me nuts and I’m at the front of the room, I’ll just turn around and place my head against the board for a few seconds (to make sure they all notice I’m doing it) and then *lightly* tap my forehead against the board. It’s unexpected but they also get the message

    sjw.522 Report

    #43

    Smiling woman with curly hair wearing patterned shirt, representing unhinged teachers that actually work methods. I tried the “if you’re ugly keep talking” in my favorite class. The inmediate silence was deafening

    master_jedi_rios , Andrea Piacquadio Report

    Luke Branwen
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    [Me, who's ugly and at peace with it] "Unlimited poweeeer!"

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    #44

    Retired HS ELA teacher: plagiarism really started to become a problem (and this is before Chat GPT). Instead of me making the call home to it, my rule was that the student had to take their phone into the hallway and call their parent while I stood there. I would tell them my policy at the start of the year, and remind them of it as the year went on. By April, when reminded of the policy, there would always be some kid in the back mumbling, “and she means it!”

    nancybk11 Report

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    #45

    Young woman with curly hair laughing joyfully, representing unhinged but actually work teachers sayings and actions. When I couldn’t get them to focus and my “good teacher” methods to redirect failed, I calmly walked into a corner in the classroom and loudly cackled like the witch dive bombing Emerald City. Then I turned and calmly returned to teaching like nothing happened.

    gretchenpetry , Amir Bolourian Report

    Original Kinkster
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And there where no phonecalls from concernd parents?

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    #46

    I tell everyone who is talking to “stop flirting” boys, girls, boys and girls, girls and girls, boys and boys. It’s iconic.

    kelli.payne87 Report

    #47

    Teacher and student in a bright office, teacher explaining while student takes notes, illustrating unhinged but effective teaching. School social worker here. I tell some of my kids, ain’t NO WAY you’re worried about the next person with THESE grades. Keep your head in your business

    lamatatan_90 , Polina Tankilevitch Report

    Ace
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I do hope you're not teaching English. Anyone translate this to something understandable?

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    #48

    Teacher pointing at projected screen with code, demonstrating unhinged but effective teaching methods in the classroom. "I don't know what show you're watching but my show is the one you paid for."

    jeffurry312 , Wonderlane Report

    Orysha
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That only works in the Usa or private schools.

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    #49

    This is going to sound so dumb but rain frogs.
    When there is child discourse among kids in my classroom, I play rain frogs videos. It eases the tensions and allows me to intervene without yelling.
    Frog butts always win.

    sunshinerae90 Report

    #50

    They have to fill out a “Refusal to Work Form” and sign it when they’re playing around and not doing anything. Then I send it to their parents and say “this is why you’ll see a Z for today.”

    mrs_rachelmedrano Report

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    #51

    “That’s a bold statement for someone who has a 9 pm bedtime.”

    gsj612 Report

    #52

    Group of students sitting on the floor in front of a whiteboard, illustrating unhinged teacher methods that actually work. Rug cleaning videos. If I need my class to calm in the morning, I ask them to figure out how many rinses it will take to clean a rug.

    sunshinerae90 , Ron Lach Report

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    #53

    Female teacher in pink blazer pointing and speaking with intensity demonstrating unhinged but effective teaching methods. I point to random corners in the room and say “don’t make me pull the camera footage.”

    doinitnthefield , RDNE Stock project Report

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    #54

    Teacher explaining a lesson in a classroom, using unhinged but effective teaching methods for student engagement. You’re doing a lot of talking for so many missing assignments. If you spent half the time you do yapping to give some real opinions in writing I bet your grade would actually surpass the number of [insert social media] followers you have. (You could also insert number of points scored at a game if they’re an athlete.)
    -HS English (but really works with freshmen)

    theabnerdoodle , Mikhail Nilov Report

    #55

    Teacher standing confidently in front of a chalkboard with math formulas, showcasing unhinged teaching techniques that work. H.S. Teacher Once you hit March April you get flagrantly disrespectful I call you by your grade “Ok 8… how you got all this “sense” but you older than your grade?

    dr_tmt27 , Max Fischer Report

    General Anaesthesia
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is a highschool teacher? That explains quite a lot.

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    #56

    Teacher engaging students in a classroom discussion, demonstrating unhinged but effective teaching techniques. “point to who thinks it’s ok to talk while I’m talking”

    foreverfindingx , National Cancer Institute Report

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    #57

    I teach Pre-K, when my kids act up, I make them turn 3 years old again, and they have to earn becoming a 4-year-old

    dopestdimple Report

    RomanceRadish
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hopefully only for serious repeated infractions. This would be very genuinely upsetting to a preschooler.

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    #58

    One of my former students from 20 years ago is now my friend. She remembers one burn I told her “Explain to me how the student with the highest IQ has the lowest grade.”
    20 years later and she still remembers it

    ceramicsby_libby Report

    Orysha
    Community Member
    6 months ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Because you suck at teaching ?

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    #59

    A kid can’t keep an attitude with bubbles being blown at them.

    mathonmarskuumba Report

    #60

    My favorite right now is the announcement “I’m on whatever you’re on twin so let me know how WE are acting” they tighten up quick.

    mrsbat3s Report

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    #61

    Teacher with glasses and beard holding a book, engaging students with unhinged but effective teaching methods in classroom setting "If you're in this room with me, you're going places. Soon you will begin to diverge from friends of yours who don't pass through this doorway. You can date them, ride to school with them, sit with them in the cafeteria, and like their posts, but if you're here with me, you're taking the highest road possible. I am grossly overqualified for this job. Let me say that again. I'm grossly overqualified for this job. But I'm here with you, and you are everything. You're welcome. Let's get busy."

    brainhospice , Getty Images Report

    Wombat
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That would have made me want to vomit as a teenager, Still does. if you're a great teacher, show it, don't tell it.

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    #62

    “Omg! We are so happy to have [student’s name] here! Come on up with that expertise and teach the class!” and then I go sit down and wait. And wait. When they don’t do anything I say “Yes, the correct response was sit down and keep your mouth shut.”

    omgkaywtf Report

    #63

    It is so much more effective to whisper to that disobedient student than to raise your voice. Every time!

    zouleikhas Report

    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wish that worked every time, but in my experience it doesn't.

    #64

    After about 1/2 way into the year when my grade 5’s know me and we have a community we yell “ shame” when someone does what is very unexpected. It works.

    bibliotaph.and.caffeine Report

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    #65

    I'm sarcastic AF. When students give me attitude I look behind me dramatically and say who are you talking to like that???? No one is behind me and I KNOW you're not talking to ME like that!! It works well 99 % of the time. I've also stopped repeating myself and will just glare at a student until they comply.

    jannasherm Report

    #66

    Offer to contact parents by calling them by their first name. Or if they’re loud, “Do you need a hug?”
    At this point in the year, “Y’all better turn your crazy off before I have to turn mine on.”

    redheaddebate Report

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    #67

    I will turn off the AC and I don't care if we all roast!

    blessed_brandie_brown Report

    #68

    Teacher in blue blouse pointing at a whiteboard with notes, demonstrating unhinged but effective teaching methods. Mine (8th grade) only work if you've been at the same site for a while. When I've called a kid's name at least a couple of times & they don't respond; I call them by a sibling's name. The snapped head hangs in shame once I let them know it was deliberate. OR someone's acting up, pull out phone, "Hmm. Let's see what your family has to say about you." "I don't care if you call my parent." "Oh, I'm not doing that. I'm texting your older siblings&cousins. I'm sure they'd like to know about this."

    cjristinanelosn , Centre for Ageing Better Report

    Original Kinkster
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Am I the only who's not okay with when a treacher threats to bully their students?

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    #69

    Former Para educator, elementary level here. If a class I had was out of pocket, I would start a timer on the smart board. When someone talked, I would restart the timer. In addition, I would also tack on extra time if a studen wanted to test my patience. Depending on behavior, some could warn it back. I covered a lot of classes. When other teachers passed by, they were always amazed how quiet and respectful the students were.

    traceystimesavers Report

    superfluous
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What happens when the timer is done? What does 'watn it back' mean? WHY were the students quiet?

    #70

    "There are whole bunch of majors over that way (points out window) where you won't have to learn this."

    jeffurry312 Report

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    #71

    Smiling teacher in a white shirt raising a finger with confident expression, showing unhinged but effective teaching methods. “Try Jesus, don’t try me.”

    gsj612 , MART PRODUCTION Report

    #72

    The momentum of compliance. Even the most aggro student is in your thrall once you make them adjust even one small thing. Tuck a shirt in, straighten a collar, pull pants up - they all work like magic

    cavoodlegingerninja Report

    superfluous
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The Miss Trunchbull style of teaching?

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    #73

    “There has not been a machine invented that can measure how little I care.”

    nutcgram Report

    Cindy Brick
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hmmm.... how to translate this means using other actions to show you DO care. Otherwise, why would I as a student want to listen to you?

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    #74

    1st year teacher & this one usually get them … me: “do you have ears?” student: “yes” me:”so why aren’t you listening?” then get real quiet

    niyakristen Report

    #75

    Young teacher leaning on desk with laptop and notebook, demonstrating unhinged but effective teaching strategies. “Hey, do you need some ziploc baggies so you can save some of that drama for your mama?”

    popgunchaos , Mikhail Nilov Report

    #76

    Asked a kid if he needed me to bother Ann at Bank of America. He didn't want me to bother her, so he got it together

    nicole.sky.books Report

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    #77

    In a joking manner (and depending on the kid) I tell the “be careful, I know where you live.” Doesn’t work with everyone, but with the right kids it gets their attention.

    jessiesmithjs1766 Report

    #78

    Kindergarten teacher here:
    "Go on try to hit me, I hit back." I don't actually hit back, but they never wanna find out.

    madampresident2028 Report

    Phantom Phoenix
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Do you honestly think it's a good idea to threaten small children with physical violence?

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    #79

    My English teacher caught a student doing homework for another class while she was teaching. She stopped and SHREDDED it in front of the class - that definitely stopped that behavior

    lindseyanneforbes Report

    JB
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    D**k move, not actually helpful.

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