It's not our job to be liked(teachers)", I reminded her…
““It's not our job to be liked(teachers)", I reminded her. "Its our job to help them be smart(students)". Secretly, I thought, who gives a rat's ass if they like us? Sometimes I can hardly stand them!””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Teachers should prioritize fostering intelligence over seeking approval, accepting that students may not like them but still benefit from rigorous instruction.
In simple terms: Teach to make students smart, not to be liked.
Prioritize learning over popularity.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- classroom management
- curriculum design
- student motivation
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance rigor with empathy?
- What strategies help when students resist you?
Focusing solely on intelligence may ignore emotional well‑being.