Humans have a broad spectrum of emotions that govern their actions, and everyone has a bad day from time to time. Even Charles Darwin wrote to a friend once that he was “doing very poorly today, and very stupid, and hate[d] everyone and everything.”

Teachers, like most people, are also susceptible to the effects of stress, but most handle it professionally and move forward. Yet, in some instances, teachers don't manage stress appropriately and take it out on their students. A bad day for a professor may manifest as excessive irritation or anger, affecting their better judgment.

Some professors may develop implicit biases against students unconsciously as a byproduct of their stress and anger. Unbeknownst to a student, even being in the wrong place at the wrong time can mean suspension, even if the student did not commit a serious offense.

More Pressure, More Bias

Although most people would like to think that educators are always fair, it is mostly emotion, not logic, that governs human behavior. Research shows a direct correlation between high teacher stress levels and an increased risk of student suspension. If you are the student, that suspension factors into your permanent record and may affect your education.

Educators are under a considerable amount of pressure to perform, and burnout is the main reason why they quit their jobs. When an educator is having a rough day, taking it out on the students may not be their intention, but it still happens without them noticing. In their wake, they leave their students wondering what they did wrong and not understanding how to defend themselves.

How Overburdened Teachers Affect Students

Overburdened educators change their behavior in obvious and subtle ways within the classroom (even the digital one). Some of the ways that they unfairly target students is by:

• Consciously or unconsciously stereotyping students
• Increasing their negative feedback
• Taking harsh disciplinary measures against minimally disruptive behavior
• Having less tolerance for genuine mistakes
• Promoting a tense and hostile learning environment

No student is immune to the adverse effects of an educator who is having a bad day. One example of how a professor can harm a student is by accusing them of fraud or cheating if they received an unexpected good grade on a test or essay.

Defending Yourself Against an Educator

If you are innocent of a charge that a disgruntled professor brings against you, the odds are not in your favor. Unless you have a solid track record, evidence, and impeccable behavior, it can be challenging to defend yourself against a college panel.

Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento knows how intimidating it can be to face a panel when it's your word against a professor. When you work with Advisor Lento, you're getting the advice and legal expertise of a professional who specializes in defending students against complicated cases involving their professors.

The Lento Law Firm helps you prove your innocence by building a robust defense strategy and gathering the right evidence to present to your panel. You don't have to face the consequences of a professor's bad day and short temper. Call Lento Law Firm today to discuss your options at (888) 535-3686.