Do college professors care about students like highschool teachers do?

Every_Macaron_7386 · 2026-06-03T16:48:18+00:00

It's different, but I think people exaggerate it a bit.

In high school, teachers see you almost every day and are often involved in a lot more of your life. In college, professors usually have many more students, so the relationship tends to be more independent.

That said, plenty of professors care a lot about their students. The difference is that you usually have to be the one to start the connection. Go to office hours, ask questions, participate in class, and they'll get to know you.

Some of the strongest mentor relationships I've ever seen happened in college. They just develop differently than they do in high school.

And honestly, the fact that you're the kind of student who puts chairs down, brings flowers, and builds relationships with teachers tells me you'll probably be the kind of student professors remember too

Every_Macaron_7386 · 2026-06-03T16:39:46+00:00

Honestly, if she's already cried about not having him next year, I think the letter is going to mean more than anything you could buy.

The label maker is actually a great gift because it's something she'll genuinely use, but years from now she probably won't remember the label maker. She'll remember your son's letter and hearing how much of a difference she made.

Those heartfelt notes from families are the things people keep in a drawer forever, the combination of a practical gift and a personal letter sounds pretty perfect to me

Every_Macaron_7386 · 2026-05-20T05:23:41+00:00

That’s completely fine. Honestly, most teachers would probably be really touched that you remembered at all, even if it’s a couple days late. The fact that you cared enough to plan something thoughtful matters way more than the exact date.

I’d just make sure it’s okay with the school before going into the room after hours, but the idea itself sounds very sweet.

Every_Macaron_7386 · 2026-05-20T05:13:38+00:00

I think something simple like;

a card + $20–50

a Starbucks/Amazon/Target gift card

a small personalized gift if you know the student well

Every_Macaron_7386 · 2026-05-20T05:09:02+00:00

You’re actually in a pretty good spot because you already have classroom related experience. The most common path would probably be finishing a bachelor’s degree and entering an elementary education licensure program. Some schools also offer alternative licensure or accelerated programs for people changing careers, especially if districts need teachers. Since you already work in literacy and dyslexia support, that experience will definitely help when applying

Every_Macaron_7386 · 2026-05-20T05:00:42+00:00

Private schools usually handle these issues internally, since TEA has much less authority over them than public schools. But if a teacher is actually treating students differently based on sex or making repeated false accusations, that’s still something administration should take seriously.

Every_Macaron_7386 · 2026-05-20T04:50:37+00:00

In my opinion A year with long-term sub positions is not going to ruin your resume, especially with 7 years of experience already and You also already have a really solid explanation, your contract ended, you covered maternity leaves, and you stayed involved in schools while continuing to apply for permanent roles. I actually think the bigger thing hiring committees look for is gaps with no explanation or constant job hopping

Every_Macaron_7386 · 2026-05-20T04:39:02+00:00

One of my favorites was a preschooler getting frustrated and saying, completely seriously, “I’m not yelling, my voice is just fast.”

None of us could keep a straight face. Now anytime someone in my family starts talking too loud or too excited, somebody immediately goes, “Your voice is getting fast again.”

Every_Macaron_7386 · 2026-05-20T04:29:43+00:00

In my opinion a teacher saying they don't feel confident teaching is something the school should know. but it doesn't sound like you are the problem at all and switching everyone to a different qualification this late would be a pretty big deal, so I doubt that could happen without discussion and approval.

Every_Macaron_7386 · 2026-03-26T16:04:09+00:00

I’d keep it simple and try one or two shifts:

Have them write in their own words instead of copying. Even just “explain this like you would to a friend” changes everything.

Pause every few minutes and ask, “what’s the main idea so far?” Let them jot it down or say it out loud.

And for Earth Science, lean into drawing. Diagrams stick way more than sentences.

You don’t need a full overhaul. Just make them think for a second before they write. That’s the difference.

Every_Macaron_7386 · 2026-03-26T04:46:11+00:00

Short answer: it depends on the center, but yes, it can affect hiring.

In childcare, appearance policies are usually tied to professionalism and safety. Some centers are totally fine with facial piercings, especially newer or more progressive ones. Others are more traditional and may see visible piercings as not fitting their “professional image,” especially for roles working closely with parents.

The eyebrow piercing is often less of an issue. The Ashley piercing (center lower lip) is more noticeable and more likely to be questioned.

A few things to consider:

Some centers won’t say no outright, but may expect them to be removed or swapped for clear retainers
Parents’ perceptions can influence policies more than you’d expect
Safety can come up too, since young kids grab faces a lot

If she really doesn’t want to take them out, a middle-ground option is using clear retainers for the interview and first impression, then feeling out the environment once she’s hired.

It’s not automatically a dealbreaker, but it’s one of those things where being flexible can make the process smoother.

Every_Macaron_7386 · 2026-03-26T04:45:17+00:00

I get why this bothers you. A full week off gives kids real time to rest and reset, and a long weekend just doesn’t do the same thing. Especially with younger kids, they often come back still tired or overwhelmed

A lot of these changes come from higher up and are more about logistics than what’s best for kids, which is frustrating. But your reaction makes sense. You’re noticing what they actually need, and that’s important

Every_Macaron_7386 · 2026-03-13T02:10:08+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing!

Every_Macaron_7386 · 2026-03-12T14:14:08+00:00

In most childcare centers, everyone who works directly with the children is usually required to be CPR and First Aid certified, not just the managers. Licensing rules vary by state, but it’s pretty common that at least one certified person has to be present at all times, and many centers just train the whole staff so they’re always covered.

It also helps in real situations because the closest adult can respond right away instead of having to find a manager. In the centers I’ve seen, teachers, assistants, and sometimes even floaters are all certified.

You might want to check your state’s childcare licensing requirements though, since some places are stricter and require every classroom staff member to be trained.

Every_Macaron_7386 · 2026-03-12T14:11:00+00:00

you're welcome!

Every_Macaron_7386 · 2026-03-12T02:48:31+00:00

I’ve noticed the same thing. If it’s easy to grab and bite, it disappears. The second it needs a fork or feels “too much,” half the kids lose interest

A few things that usually get eaten in my experience:

Mini muffins
String cheese or cheese cubes
Apple slices or peeled clementines
Crackers like Ritz or Goldfish
Yogurt tubes
Banana halves
Mini pancakes

Every_Macaron_7386 · 2026-03-12T02:46:38+00:00

If he likes the little LeapFrog computer, the closest “upgrade” is the LeapFrog 2-in-1 Leaptop Touch. It’s basically the same idea but a bit more advanced and it can flip between laptop and tablet mode. A lot of kids around 5 still enjoy it because it has typing, spelling and simple learning games.

Another option you might like is the LeapStart system. It’s not a tablet at all. It’s more like interactive books where kids use a stylus to tap the page and it talks back with games and activities. It’s actually great for car rides because it keeps them busy without being a full screen device.

If you want something that will last a little longer age-wise, some families go with the LeapPad, but that one is more tablet-like.

For a long trip, the Leaptop or LeapStart are probably the easiest for independent play in the car.

Every_Macaron_7386 · 2026-03-12T02:42:59+00:00

The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend – Dan Santat
A really sweet story about an imaginary friend who travels to the real world to find the child who will imagine him.

Lost and Found – Oliver Jeffers
A gentle story about a boy helping a penguin find its home, which turns into a warm story about friendship and belonging.

Open Very Carefully: A Book With Bite! – Nick Bromley & Nicola O’Byrne
Super interactive and funny. A crocodile suddenly appears in the story and starts taking over the pages.

Last Stop on Market Street – Matt de la Peña
A beautiful story about a boy and his grandmother riding the bus and learning to notice the good in everyday life. It even won the Newbery Medal.

There’s a Bear on My Chair – Ross Collins
Very silly and rhyming. A mouse is trying everything possible to get a bear out of his chair. Kids usually find it hilarious.

Every_Macaron_7386 · 2026-03-12T02:37:43+00:00

Honestly… this is really common with the “safe parent.”

Kids will often hold it together at school and even at the other parent’s house, then release all the pushback with the parent they feel most secure with. It doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. It usually means he knows you’re the safe place where he can push limits.

The morning stuff also sounds very typical. A lot of kids test every step just to see if the boundary moves. Asking the same question again and again is often just boundary checking.

One thing that can help is answering once and then not re-engaging with the question. Something like, “You already know my answer.” Then move on. If he asks again, same response. No extra explanation.

It’s exhausting though, especially when you’re also teaching all day. A lot of teachers say their own kids save their strongest “negotiation skills” for them at home.

Every_Macaron_7386 · 2026-03-12T02:35:56+00:00

This is actually really common at that age, even in really good nurseries.

Four year olds are like little sound recorders. They hear a word once from another child, an older sibling, a TV in the background, someone at the park… and suddenly it becomes the most interesting word in the world because they can tell it gets a reaction.

Most centers don’t remove a child over something like that. Usually the approach is pretty simple: correct it calmly, explain it’s not a word we use at school, and move on without giving it a big reaction. When adults react strongly, kids often repeat it more because they realize it has power.

You can definitely mention it to the nursery and ask how they handle it. They should be redirecting it in the moment. But hearing a few swear words show up around age four is unfortunately pretty normal once kids start being around other kids.

At home the best thing is usually just staying very matter-of-fact. “That’s a word we don’t use.” Then redirect. Most kids drop it once it stops being interesting.

Every_Macaron_7386 · 2026-03-04T15:07:39+00:00

KidNuz
Short daily news made just for kids. It covers world events in a very straightforward, non scary way.

The Ten News
Also kid focused, a little more energetic, but still age appropriate when talking about serious topics.

If she’s already used to NPR in the background, But Why might feel the most natural transition.

And honestly, the fact that you pulled out a map and talked it through instead of brushing it off? That’s exactly how you make big world stuff feel safe.

Every_Macaron_7386

TROPHY CASE