In middle school and high school, why are some teachers so mean, intimidating, and strict?

Question

These teachers always give their students the evil eye, they never smile, and they are always looking for a reason to send a student into detention. For example:

(Bell rings, students are talking to each other, and the teacher walks in to start class)

Teacher: "I DON'T WANT TO HEAR A PEEP OUT OF ANY ONE OF YOU! TAKE OUT YOUR BOOKS AND KEEP YOUR MOUTHS SHUT!

(Student sneezes)

Teacher: "I WARNED YOU! GO TO THE PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE!"

Student: "But I just sneezed because I have a little cold."

Teacher: "DON'T SAY ANOTHER WORD UNLESS YOU WANT TO SPEND TWO WEEKS IN DETENTION!"

Student: "But..."

Teacher: "SAY ANOTHER WORD AND I'LL HAVE YOU SUSPENDED!"

Thankfully, I've never had a teacher like this but why are some teachers like this?

Answer 1

Judging by this post, I think it's because students are immature.

Being a High School teacher it isn't our job to be nice and make friends with our students. Our job is to make sure you have the skills you need to get to the next level. If the only thing students are concerned with is their texting, ipod, cellphones and smarting off to the teacher, they can take a hike out of my class.

Later in the year when the students know my boundaries I lighten up, but I never take c**p and smarty attitudes and the students and I have a respectful boundary. Students have to learn when it's time to learn and when it's time to have fun.  

Answer 2

I f you are stubborn, mouthy, and refuse to study, you can expect all your teachers are like this.

Answer 3

new teachers are always ultra strict so that the pupils know not misbehave on them, after a while they relax.my perfect friends used the same technique and it worked nicely.

Answer 4

I'm fairly certain that's a very silly analogy.  Some of us seem strict and "mean" because we want students to do high quality work and focus, and it's hard for students to do that.  We're like your parents - when we've told you over and over what to do (or what NOT to do) and you won't do as we ask, we get frustrated - wouldn't you?  We want you to learn, and we get upset when you might appear apathetic (appearing as if you don't care) because we DO care about you and about what we teach.  We don't understand why you don't see the importance in your education and try to take it seriously when the time comes.

Answer 5

teachers do this in an attempt to take complete and utter control over there students through methods of intimidation so to prevent students from acting up.  it is also a way for teachers to cover up their insecurities and make up for their general lack of knowledge as well as selfesteem.  i hate school alot and am not looking forward to going back in two weeks.  

Answer 6

most of them only yell cuz they have the power to and want to feel in control

Answer 7

They are scared, and want to look intimidating so that no one challenges them.  Seriously.  Some teachers are just terrified of losing control of their classes, so they figure that if they scare their students to death they won't get out of line.

Answer 8

If you never had a  teacher like this, how do you know it happened?  heresay?