Everybody grows up with peers in their classes known as the ‘teacher’s pets.’ Those are the students commonly known for turning their work in on time, applying themselves in class, and who cannot do anything to upset their teachers. For well over a century, the term has been used to describe people who seem like they can do no wrong at school.
On practically every TV show, movie plot, and book about any school- aged students, there is typically a character referred to as the ‘teacher’s pet.’ It has become an archetype, showing up consistently in a variety of sources. Sam McKern, a ninth grader new to WHS, explains this archetype further: “When someone says ‘teacher’s pet,’ I think of a student who applies themselves at school. They get teased by other students who don’t work as hard as them.”
Despite these qualities usually described by teachers as positive traits in students, classmates and peers antagonize or bully teacher’s pets- sometimes out of jealousy and other times out of pure spite.
Freshman, Jack Demaray shares his opinion on why some classmates earn this title: “I think the stereotype is there because hard workers and dedicated students generally look better to teachers and therefore, other students think they’re the ‘favorites.’ I think the behavior ‘teacher’s pets’ have is getting other students in trouble so they can look better.” This is a common reason this phrase is used with a negative connotation.
With the accessible internet influencing modern-day terminology, especially amongst teenagers, new terms and slang are replacing outdated phrases like ‘teacher’s pet.’ A couple of newer terms more commonly heard through the halls these days include: ‘try-hards,’ ‘pick-me’s,’ and ‘suck-ups’.
McKern agrees, “To me, it feels like ‘teacher’s pet’ is a little outdated.”
Ironically, both McKern and Demeray share something in common: both their parents are teachers. This reality gives them a unique insight into the role teachers play and why certain students earn the labels they acquire.
Demaray states, “While I have never personally been called a teacher’s pet, my mom is a teacher, and so I know how to act around teachers. Because of that, they kinda like me because I act appropriately and I show them the respect they deserve. I know how hard it is to be a teacher because my mom is always talking about it; I have an inside view of what’s behind the scenes. I’m always pushing myself to do better because I have high expectations for myself, and my parents also have high expectations of me.”
Common phrases like this are often said carelessly; however, it is not based in reality, nor do they truly identify a student. All that a ‘teacher’s pet’ really means is that the person is a good student and should be applauded for setting a strong example of how to treat teachers.