Most people have favorites -- a favorite person, favorite band, favorite personal belonging. It starts from birth, with that first teddy bear or favorite truck, so it stands to reason that later on in life a person might succumb to those same tendencies. Teachers deal with students all day. Is it possible for them not to have “favorites” when it comes to their students?

11th grader, Jane McDonough, states that, “Everyone is in this situation. We, as students, have favorite teachers, so it’s only fair that teachers have favorite students. You can't do anything about it because teachers are humans too!” She has a good point, but does this affects grading or the way a teacher acts towards specific students? Most teachers would deny that they have preferences. Mrs. Lewis explains, “I have had the same mantra for all these years and that is - I am an equal opportunity teacher; I do not hold a grudge; I respect all of my students wholly and simply ask for the same in return.” This does not mean that teachers don’t prefer certain students, such as those who don’t disrupt the class or are more charismatic.

Mrs. Schultz states that, “In some I love the drive and ambition, in others the sense of humor, in others the talent...It is a misconception that teachers prefer straight A students.” Mr. Woodburn says that, “My preference is not drawn by the academics that a student does but by their character. I much prefer a student who is respectful, honest, and responsible.” Perhaps students’ perception that teachers prefer the high academic achievers is incorrect. It would seem that the student as a whole is what attracts most teachers. Although teachers might like a student more due to his or her personality or behavior in class, most teachers will work hard to do remain impartial. As Mr. Woodburn states, “… maintain a professional and caring relationship with my students and yes while some may not have the characteristics that I have preferences for I still try my best to treat them with dignity.”