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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!” quote by Esme Raji Codell
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““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!””

Esme Raji Codell

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.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize learning over popularity.

Themes

education teaching self‑esteem

Mood

direct reflective

Type

advice inspirational

When to use this quote

  • classroom management
  • curriculum design
  • student motivation

Key Concepts

pedagogy authenticity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance rigor with empathy?
  • What strategies help when students resist you?
A Different Perspective

Focusing solely on intelligence may ignore emotional well‑being.

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