Question on Teacher Reccomendations

DoctorShrinker

DoctorShrinker

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Sep 12, 2017
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I don't mean to change the subject here, but a quick question since I feel it's appropriate-

My school works on a basis of Physics->Chemistry->Biology->Choice (Technically, you could do nothing, but 9/10 people take an AP of any of them)

My Physics teacher left. I'm in my Junior year, so I could ask Bio, but as far as I know it comes down to Chem vs. Physics as to who to ask. That leaves my Chemistry teacher who, frankly, doesn't seem to be too huge a fan of me. What exactly should I do in regards to this? Do I see the reccomendation letters?

Background behind her disliking me: I won't portray myself as some helpless victim- Chemistry Honors came to be my worst subject my Sophomore year. I ended up with a solid B (86%) because of it. Due respect to her- she knows her stuff- but she also didn't exactly make it easy to work with the content. I've tried cozying up to her in the past- just being a generally nice person, asking if she needs assistance and the like- but she still seems no warmer toward me. A rule of thumb is that she comes to either love you or hate you- those that she loves go on to go into AP Chem, those who she doesn't take the alternate routes. But considering I'm SoL for a present Physics teacher, what should I do...? Should I ask her anyway? Or should I go for my Bio Honors teacher at the end of the year (she loves me).

??
 
Yes, start with the guidance counselor who might be able to put you in touch with physics teacher's new email address at his/her new job. Also try looking on LinkedIn or Facebook.
 
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You will probably have to check a box in Naviance which says that you agree to have the recommendations forwarded unread by you. This allows the teacher to write the recommendation without fear of retaliation.

More importantly,you also have to get past the "she hates me" & "everyone she likes goes onto AP..." That's a copout. The teacher expects you to be in class on time, prepared for today's work, homework/labs submitted on time, etc IE: doing your job the best you can. & she will do hers...
In the military and outside, you will have many bosses you will not like. Be on time in the uniform of the day, be respectful (esp. with your body language), properly prepared & you will have 85% of the job done. Good luck.
 
Wishful said:
You will probably have to check a box in Naviance which says that you agree to have the recommendations forwarded unread by you. This allows the teacher to write the recommendation without fear of retaliation.

More importantly,you also have to get past the "she hates me" & "everyone she likes goes onto AP..." That's a copout. The teacher expects you to be in class on time, prepared for today's work, homework/labs submitted on time, etc IE: doing your job the best you can. & she will do hers...
In the military and outside, you will have many bosses you will not like. Be on time in the uniform of the day, be respectful (esp. with your body language), properly prepared & you will have 85% of the job done. Good luck.
Click to expand...

Hey man, I said that I wasn't trying to portray myself as the victim for a reason.

I'll likely take AROTC-dad's advice in seeking out my Physics teacher. If I can't use my H Biology teacher, that is.

I'm not complaining about having a teacher that didn't like me- I just don't need her hurting my chances. I'm 100% fine with having a boss that I don't like- I actually do have literal experience with that in occupations. I can clock in, do the work, and clock out. But I'd never contact that boss that doesn't particularly prefer me for a recommendation unless I have to.
 
Yes....the recommendation...that's what's important here...

Victim: definition, noun, a person harmed, injured, or killed as a result of a crime, accident, or other event or action.

You said that "Chemistry Honors came to be my worst subject my Sophomore year" & that the teacher is knowledgeable of the course material "- she knows her stuff- but she also didn't exactly make it easy (your italics) to work with the content".
So if she exactly made it easy for you to work with the content, in other words, if she only just performed her job competently, you would have a higher grade. There is no mention of your efforts in the equation, so you must have done everything possible to achieve but unfortunately, the teacher's inability/unwillingness to make the content easy held you down. That my friend, is victim-speak. As per the definition above, you were harmed as a result of her action/inaction. You're saying that "I'm a victim" but in order not to look that way, you insert a disclaimer "I'm not trying to portray myself as..." which doesn't hold up with your numerous "background" statements. In short, you're trying to place blame on the teacher while appearing not to. Then you tried to brown nose, which she saw through & didn't work. Again this is her fault because you tried to help, " but she still seems no warmer toward me". Victimized again. Have I got it all right? BTW: Why is the Chemistry teacher not a fan of you as well?? I wonder.

When phrases such as "With due disrespect" or" with all due respect" are used, invariably a disrespectful comment follows with the sender trying to lighten the blow with the disclaimer, which is exactly what you did/tried to do. The good phrase preceding the bad comment doesn't make the bad comment good, or less noticeable.
You obviously don't look at yourself this way, but some people might, & you may want to take note of it...or not, your choice.

My answer to your question, I would not ask this teacher for a recommendation, she knows you too well.
 
Wishful said:
Yes....the recommendation...that's what's important here...

Victim: definition, noun, a person harmed, injured, or killed as a result of a crime, accident, or other event or action.

You said that "Chemistry Honors came to be my worst subject my Sophomore year" & that the teacher is knowledgeable of the course material "- she knows her stuff- but she also didn't exactly make it easy (your italics) to work with the content".
So if she exactly made it easy for you to work with the content, in other words, if she only just performed her job competently, you would have a higher grade. There is no mention of your efforts in the equation, so you must have done everything possible to achieve but unfortunately, the teacher's inability/unwillingness to make the content easy held you down. That my friend, is victim-speak. As per the definition above, you were harmed as a result of her action/inaction. You're saying that "I'm a victim" but in order not to look that way, you insert a disclaimer "I'm not trying to portray myself as..." which doesn't hold up with your numerous "background" statements. In short, you're trying to place blame on the teacher while appearing not to. Then you tried to brown nose, which she saw through & didn't work. Again this is her fault because you tried to help, " but she still seems no warmer toward me". Victimized again. Have I got it all right? BTW: Why is the Chemistry teacher not a fan of you as well?? I wonder.

When phrases such as "With due disrespect" or" with all due respect" are used, invariably a disrespectful comment follows with the sender trying to lighten the blow with the disclaimer, which is exactly what you did/tried to do. The good phrase preceding the bad comment doesn't make the bad comment good, or less noticeable.
You obviously don't look at yourself this way, but some people might, & you may want to take note of it...or not, your choice.

My answer to your question, I would not ask this teacher for a recommendation, she knows you too well.
Click to expand...

Look, man, you don't know me. I did try, I really did. Heck, I think that's pretty evident considering I didn't get a C or a D in the class.

I'm not passing myself off as a victim of her at all, and I stick by that. But in analyzing my statement, simply because she knows content doesn't mean she's a good teacher to me. I've known many that were the opposite- knew nothing but were cordial and delightful to everyone. I'd know many who would agree with me. I don't want to unjustly offend her, and that's why I pointed that out. But if I can be frank, she was a horrible teacher to me, and I did not enjoy her. To save you time, 'to me' is a key statement- she's fine to work with to some. Unfortunately, I'm not some.

Look, you're not entirely wrong. Whenever I write posts, I do get caught up in the primary emotion I feel, and I do come off as victimizing myself here. In spite of that, I am self-accountable, and I do not take gruff, sir/madam- I did not try to 'lighten the blow'. Your sarcasm only comes off as patronizing at best. If I can be frank- you don't need to be a jerk to get me to understand, mate.

Thank you for your comment regardless... as I said previously, I'll likely take @AROTC-dad 's advice. If you really want to give me another psycho-analysis from my response, please take it to PM, I'd rather just get answers, not comments to my character.
 
NP! Sent you a PM.
 
NP! Sent you a PM.
 
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