#157: "What if I just realllly don’t like a student?!" How to teach a kid you find really dang triggering and unlikeable.

What's in this episode

Here’s a spicy but honest truth: sometimes, we don’t like every student we teach. And while we’re trauma-informed, values-driven, compassionate educators — we’re also human. And navigating complex behaviour, bullying, defiance, or students who constantly derail your lessons? It takes a toll. In this episode, I’m opening up the very real conversation about what to do when you find a student… unlikable. (Gasp!) I’m giving you the validation, language, and mindset shifts to acknowledge that feeling without acting from it. You’ll learn how to stay professional, regulated, and credible — while still honouring your experience. Because let’s be clear: you can not like a student and still be a bloody great teacher to them. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why it’s normal (and not shameful) to feel disconnected from certain students How your personal triggers affect classroom dynamics What to do when you lose objectivity or patience with “that” student The quiet ways your feelings show up — and what to do about them Mindset shifts to stay regulated, empathetic, and in control Strategies to slowly build bridges (even when it feels impossible) Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello