20 Things Teachers Should Not Do in Class

Teaching is not only about delivering lessons; it’s also about creating a safe, respectful, and engaging environment where students can thrive. Sometimes, what teachers avoid doing in class is just as important as what they actually do. Here are 20 things teachers should not do in the classroom:

1. Ignore classroom rules – Inconsistency undermines authority and confuses students.
2. Embarrass or humiliate students – Public shaming damages confidence and trust.
3. Play favorites – Favoritism creates division and resentment among learners.
4. Neglect lesson planning – A poorly prepared class wastes time and lowers engagement.
5. Speak in a monotone – Lack of energy can make even interesting topics dull.
6. Overload students with information – Too much at once makes learning harder.
7. Allow distractions to take over – Not managing noise, phones, or disruptions weakens focus.
8. Dismiss student questions – Discourages curiosity and participation.
9. Compare students negatively – Unfair comparisons harm self-esteem and motivation.
10. Show anger or lose temper – Creates fear instead of respect.
11. Use sarcasm – May confuse or hurt students, especially younger ones.
12. Be unfair in grading – Bias or inconsistency damages trust in the teacher’s integrity.
13. Ignore struggling students – Every learner deserves attention and support.
14. Talk too much without listening – Teaching should encourage dialogue, not one-way speech.
15. Allow bullying or teasing – Failing to intervene makes the classroom unsafe.
16. Disregard cultural or personal differences – Insensitivity can alienate students.
17. Arrive late or end too early – Shows lack of commitment and respect for students’ time.
18. Use outdated or irrelevant materials – Reduces interest and limits real-world application.
19. Fail to adapt teaching methods – Different learners need different approaches.
20. Forget to show empathy – Teaching without compassion makes learning feel mechanical.