Was there a teacher at school that you and/or everybody hated? Mine was in primary school year 6. He had a real temper and I remember him thumping a kid in the chest whilst shouting at him for doing something naughty. He was pretty scary and I developed anxiety every Sunday before school, not sure if it was a direct result of this teacher or not!
Fast forward to now, DS1 is in year 7 and recently he's been complaining to me about one teacher, that she shouts a lot, is very sarcastic, gives out detention willy-nilly (a new kid got it on his first day for not having a particular book, another kid got it for smiling but she accused him of smirking. I know this boy and he's very smiley and not that type at all). Ds1 got it this week for not colouring some work in properly, but I know he did try hard to do it as neat as possible. I told DS1 to try harder next time and I've been careful not to say anything negative about the teacher.
But he really is a good kid. Not just saying it, I met with his form tutor the other week at parent's evening and she told me his behaviour, appearance, school/homework is always excellent and she has no complaints from any of the teachers. He has possible ASD (being assessed) and anxiety, and has started to dread the days he has this particular teacher.
I don't want to complain or make a big deal out of it, because I know not all staff can be happy and friendly and he has no issues with anyone else. I find that generally there is always one teacher everybody dislikes! I know quite a few parents at this school and a lot of kids dislike her so it's not just ds1. In a way it keeps the children on their toes but I am concerned about the effect it's having on DS due to his anxiety. Whilst I'm careful about not saying anything negative to DS when he speaks about her, at the same time I don't want to invalidate his feelings.
How did you handle a miserable/mean teacher?? Shall I tell him to continue keeping his head down and get on with it? Would be lovely for everyone to share some experiences!