Teachers aren't supposed to have favorites. We're supposed to love and care for each student equally and independently of their actions or behavior. This philosophy works well in a world of objective robots, but in my fallen state, I have to admit that I do prefer some students over others. Forgive me, I realize this a shocking discovery. Allow me to first paint a picture to explain myself before you declare me the world's worst educator.
Imagine you have two students, Student A and Student B. Student A comes to class on time every day. Student B is 3-5 minutes tardy 4 of the 5 days. Student A takes notes and is engaged in classroom discussion, Student B throws stuff at everyone (including Student A) while in class. Student A is perpetually joyful, upbeat, and pleasant to be around. Interactions with Student B often consist of, "Student B, please stop talking, to which their rebuttal is "man, you trippin, you so lame". Student A never eats anything (including gum) in class, Student B seems to have invested stock in the company that produces Hot Cheetos, and leaves remnants throughout my class room. The comparison can go on and on, but I think you get the point.
Student A is a picture of my favorite student. She is cheerful, intelligent, engaged in class, and very pleasant to be around. She asks questions, volunteers, and is a leader among her peers. Students like her make this job so much more enjoyable. They are fun to teach and if you look closely enough, you can actually see the light bulb light up above their heads when then understand something. Unfortunately Student B is a picture of my not favorite student. They are the opportunity, the challenge, the chance to really test our grit this profession.
Favorites are not ideal, but neither is the classroom. Of course we would love to have 30 Student A's in each class. If we did, who knows what we could accomplish as educators. Truth is, though, that the Student B's exist as well, and in some situations are the majority. Who needs to be there more? Who knows; I think arguments can be made for both. This may make me the world's worst instructor, but at least I'm trying, and doing so honestly.
