Getting an education is a privilege, but many teens dread going to school for various reasons.  Some find it to be boring, others can't stand the "clicks," and some teens can't stand to look at their disappointing grades.  You can do something about those disappointing grades, if you put your mind to it.

Teens who receive disappointing grades often feel like they are no good.  They are ashamed that they're not like their "brainiac" brother or sister.  Parents usually don't help because they often compare siblings to each other.  If you're a parent who does that, stop it right now!  You are doing more harm than good.

Some teens cannot handle disappointing grades because they've been indoctrinated with the idea that they must be perfect and that means getting good grades.  God forbid they receive a "C" on an assignment or test.  It's like the world is going to end.  Here's a secret:  the world will not end!  

Receiving disappointing grades doesn't have to suck

Receiving disappointing grades happens.  It may not be your fault.  Of course, if you did not study or do the homework, then yes, you have some responsibility for them.  However, most teens get nervous before they take a test.  Before they know it, all of those hours of studying go out the window.  This is known as stress testing.

If you fail a test, it's not the end of the world.  Chances are you'll be able to make it up or do some extra credit to make up for it.  When you fail a test, examine why it happened.  How awake were you?  How prepared were you for the test?  What happened when you saw the test in front of you?  Did your hands begin to sweat?  Did you become anxious?  Knowing what happened before you took the test will help you eliminate any "fears" you may have of failing and test taking.

Test taking tips

1.  Before you take a test, visualize yourself taking the test and knowing all of the answers.  Be confident that you have all of the answers inside of you.

2.  Get plenty of sleep the night before a test.  Staying up all night and cramming may work for some teens, but not for you.  Sleep is necessary because it gives your body time to relax and recharge.  This way you'll be able to tackle the test and ace it!

3.  Study for the test!  Yes, you must study for the test.  Cramming the night before doesn't always work.  When you find out you have a test, create a study schedule.  Devote as many hours as you may need each night or every other night up until the test.  Create flash cards and get a "study buddy" because you can help each other prepare for the test.

4.  Remember, all test taking does is measure how well you do at taking tests.  It measures how good you are at memorization.  Once you take the test and move onto the next material, you'll probably forget what you learned.  You'll need to "relearn" it all when you take your final exam.

Homework

No one likes to do homework because it seems boring.  Too bad!  Do your homework anyway no matter how boring it may seem.  You will receive points for each assignment that add up.  If you fail a test, your homework and extra credit can turn that "C" into a "B" in no time.  

Stay positive

Don't dwell on disappointing grades because you can fix them once you've narrowed down the problem.  Perhaps you require a tutor or even glasses to see what the teacher's writing or showing on the PowerPoint slides!  Whatever you do, don't "beat yourself up" over disappointing grades.  

There are many famous people throughout history who didn't do well in school, had very little or no education, or did not graduate.  I recommend graduating!   The main thing to remember when you receive disappointing grades is that it's all right.  You can fix the problem and have a successful high school year!

This is Part II of the blog about teacher bullying.

Teacher bullying does happen to teens.  It's bad enough teens are picked on by their peers, they don't need to have a teacher doing the same thing.  Stop teacher bullying today by speaking up and reporting a teacher who is bullying you or other teens; this way other teens will not experience bullying.

Take the First Step to Stopping Teacher Bullying
The first step is to ask for a meeting with the principal of your school and your teacher.  You could confront your teacher alone, but it's best to have a third party present.  Make sure you have both or one of your parents present at the meeting.  This way you will feel at ease and will not be intimidated.  Be prepared to voice your concerns.  This is why documentation is important.  Make sure you also document any witnesses that would have observed any bullying by a teacher. 

File a Formal Complaint
Meeting with the principal of your school may be enough to stop the bullying.  The teacher could be put on paid leave or suspended without pay.  If nothing is done, the next step is to file a formal complaint.  Be sure to consult your school's rules and regulations on how to go about this.  Contact the principal if you cannot locate any policies and procedures on teacher bullying.  Continue to document any teacher bullying until the complaint is filed and something is done about it.

Ask for a Transfer
Your studies should not be disrupted because of a teacher's bullying.  It's not your fault your teacher has issues he or she has not resolved.  Asking for a transfer is your last resort if filing a complaint does not work.  Be careful not to feel as if your teacher won if you want a transfer.  Even if your complaint doesn't work, you can still seek legal counsel.  Before you ask for a transfer, make sure you report your teacher's bullying.  Follow the proper steps because you don't want to discredit yourself.   

Love and Forgiveness
Before you walk into school visualize yourself having a great day.  Send your teacher love even though he or she is bullying you.  The power of love can do wonders.  You can also choose to forgive your teacher.  Chances are the bullying has nothing to do with you, but what is going on in your teacher's life or what happened in his past.  It's unfortunate that your teacher's issues manifests its ugly head only to be taken out on you, but have compassion.  Forgive your teacher and release him from your life.  Remember that forgiveness is about forgiving the person NOT forgiving what he or she did to you and making it right.

Teacher bullying must not be tolerated at any school.  Teens have rights just like adults.  When you are treated poorly or feel that you are being bullied, tell a trusted adult like a parent, another teacher, guidance counselor, principal, or assistant principal.

Unfortunately, bullying comes down to a "he said, she said" issue so make sure you DOCUMENT everything that is going on at school.  Having a record will show the principal and teacher that you're not making it up.  Good Luck!

This is Part I of a two part blog about teacher bullying. 

You'd expect all teachers to be dedicated to helping to shape the minds and spirits of children.  Unfortunately, not all teachers are fun, devoted to education, and dedicated to helping children find their true passion in life.  Instead, some teachers enjoy the power that comes with the position.

There's no doubt that some teachers are underpaid and under deserved.  However, this does not give them right to take their frustrations out on the children.  Teacher bullying is highly unacceptable!

What Is Teacher Bullying?
Some teacher's have a short fuse so it's easy to get on their bad side.  Add to this salary and teacher cuts makes for a recipe for disaster.  Teacher bullying includes the following:

1.  Degrading comments directed towards a student
2.  Hostile physical contact with a student
3.  Suggestive physical contact with a student
4.  Lewd remarks made to a student
5.  Telling a student that his or her grade depending on something other than his or her studies.
 
Students who feel that a teacher is bullying them can stop it.  The first thing to do is tell your parents what is going on at school.  Documentation also helps.  Do the following if a teacher bullies you:  write down the date and time, teacher's name, names of witnesses, and what happened.  You can file a former complaint with the school or be asked to be transferred to another teacher.

Don't let fear stop you from bringing a complaint against a teacher because he probably bullied another student before.  Get the idea out of your head that no one will believe you.  Teacher bullying is something teens should not have to put up with today.  Teens have enough to deal with such as being bullied by other teens.  They don't need to have teachers doing it as well.

Part II of this blog will focus on what steps you can take to handle teacher bullying.  You are not alone.  Reach out and get help today so tomorrow you can get back to learning in school!

Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry are promoting the new film Precious.  Here's an excerpt from Wikipedia:  "Overweight, illiterate teenager Clareece "Precious" Jones (Gabourey Sidibe) lives in Harlem with her dysfunctional family; she has been impregnated twice by her father and is in a destructive relationship with her mother (Mo'Nique).  Precious is invited to an alternative school where she hopes that her life can change direction."

Many teens suffer from abuse and neglect in the U.S. and around the world.  The story of Precious is sad but true.  It's almost art is imitating life because many teens can relate to Precious in more ways than one.

You can stop the cycle of abuse by asking for help.  No, it may not be easy and take a lot of courage but you can do it.  When you're given the chance or a helping hand, grab it and don't let go!  Hold on with all of your might and allow people to help pull you out of the "muck" that is keeping you stuck.  To quote a line from the song Second Chance by Shinedown "...sometimes goodbye is a second change.

When you're given the opportunity to break free of your situation, take it.  You may be scared of the unknown or what you're family and friends think, but you owe it to yourself to live a life filled with peace and happiness.  You matter always remember that.

If you are in an abusive situation or know someone that is get help today.  It may not be easy to ask for help but you have your entire life in front of you.  Don't let the shadow of your dysfunctional family stand in your way.  Get out now because your future depends on it!

High school seniors often have pressure on them to figure out what they want to do with the rest of their lives.  Who says that you know at the age of 17 or 18 what you want to do with your life?  Why do you have to figure it out?  Many 40-year old adults don't know what they want to do with their life!

Before you declare your major think about what you like to do.  What makes your heart sing?  What are you passionate about?  Think about these questions before you select a major.  You can always change it.  In fact, most college students will change their majors at least seven or more times!

Take the pressure off "what do you want to do with your life" because this is an old way of thinking.  Back in the day, people were all about knowing what you want to do.  You were chastised or ridiculed if you didn't know what you wanted to do.  You were labeled a silly heart or a dreamer.  Go ahead and be a dreamer!  Forget about what others say, even your parents.  Chances are they're not doing what they want to do!