There is a very real power inbalance between teachers and students, that is a real problem that exists. I have seen teachers bully students they didn't like, several times. The students often changed school, the teachers always stayed and still do.
Edit: I should read "pedagogy of the opressed", I have the experience, but an actual analysis is important.
It's one of the earliest things that radicalized me, seeing my friends being devalued for their grades (which are a bullshit concept) and the powerlessnes towards teachers. Where I was, you were in a very real sense not a full human being inside the classroom.
Our class actually managed to do succesfull collective action against the school admin, which was great, but we couldn't do anything about the bullying teacher. I met up with some a few years back and we all have the same anxieties.
There is a very real power inbalance between teachers and students, that is a real problem that exists. I have seen teachers bully students they didn't like, several times. The students often changed school, the teachers always stayed and still do.
Edit: I should read "pedagogy of the opressed", I have the experience, but an actual analysis is important.
Hierarchies in self-serving cultures will always produce the most horrific interactions between individuals.
It's one of the earliest things that radicalized me, seeing my friends being devalued for their grades (which are a bullshit concept) and the powerlessnes towards teachers. Where I was, you were in a very real sense not a full human being inside the classroom.
Our class actually managed to do succesfull collective action against the school admin, which was great, but we couldn't do anything about the bullying teacher. I met up with some a few years back and we all have the same anxieties.
I don't really disagree with you there.
The "fuck teachers in general, treat them like babysitters and pay them accordingly" angle is what I am against.