The joys of teaching Gen Z lol LIZ BLANC #funny

Introduction

Teaching high school English in Los Angeles brings about a unique set of challenges, especially when the students belong to Gen Z. These young individuals are undeniably fascinating, showcasing a blend of respect for personal identity yet often lacking in social etiquette. For instance, one day, I found myself in the all-too-common position of telling a student to put away his phone—an endeavor that proved to be less than fruitful.

In a moment that was both shocking and humorous, he threatened to find my house and kill me. I couldn’t help but respond with a laugh, thinking, "Dude, that is wild! You really believe your teacher has a house in LA?" I’d much rather he crafted me a vision board than resort to violent expressions.

This paradox—feeling both hated and supported simultaneously—is a surreal experience I’ve never encountered before in my teaching career. I’ve started having a recurring nightmare in which this same student finds my modest studio apartment and goes on a rampage through my kitchen, living room, and bedroom.

Navigating these emotional highs and lows has made me more aware of the generational gap, where respect for identity clashes with students' sometimes outrageous behavior. It’s a wild ride, full of surprises and a distinct blend of fear and affection.

Keywords

• Gen Z
• Teaching
• Respect
• Social Etiquette
• Threat
• Nightmares
• Studio Apartment

FAQ

Q: What is the biggest challenge in teaching Gen Z?
A: The greatest challenge is balancing their respect for individual identity with their sometimes outrageous behaviors.

Q: How do Gen Z students typically respond to authority?
A: While they show respect for personal pronouns, they can sometimes challenge authority or disregard rules.

Q: What was the unexpected reaction from a student?
A: A student once threatened to find my house and kill me, which highlighted the sometimes humorous but concerning dynamics of classroom interactions.

Q: How has the experience affected the teacher's perspective?
A: It has led to a surreal feeling of being both supported and maligned, causing emotional conflicts that have manifested in recurring nightmares.