grow up. Kids see teachers through the lens of one precise moment or year. They don't think about teachers as human beings that might be having a bad day, might be having difficulty in their life one year and not another and might be learning and growing in their abilities. First year teachers are seen as less capable. And when a younger sibling comes along the older sibling tells him or her the teacher isn't good. Chances are they're better by the time the younger sibling comes along.

Of course, there are teachers that aren't any good or have bad relationships with kids consistently over periods of years. And there are teachers that are consistently good over long periods of years. But I think most probably vary from year to year and get better over time.

To some extent I think these "frozen in time" judgments carry over into adult relationships as well.

It would be nice if we could figure out how to view people as having the potential to get better or possibly be going through a difficult time and then treat them accordingly, trying to help them. Whether it's a teacher, a student, an employee, a boss or a fellow student, coworker, church member or neighbor.

Sorry for the long ramble.