#157: "What if I just realllly don’t like a student?!" How to teach a kid you find really dang triggering and unlikeable.
Mon Feb 02 2026
Here’s a spicy but honest truth: sometimes, we don’t like every student we teach.
And while we’re trauma-informed, values-driven, compassionate educators — we’re also human. And navigating complex behaviour, bullying, defiance, or students who constantly derail your lessons? It takes a toll.
In this episode, I’m opening up the very real conversation about what to do when you find a student… unlikable. (Gasp!) I’m giving you the validation, language, and mindset shifts to acknowledge that feeling without acting from it. You’ll learn how to stay professional, regulated, and credible — while still honouring your experience.
Because let’s be clear: you can not like a student and still be a bloody great teacher to them.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why it’s normal (and not shameful) to feel disconnected from certain studentsHow your personal triggers affect classroom dynamicsWhat to do when you lose objectivity or patience with “that” studentThe quiet ways your feelings show up — and what to do about themMindset shifts to stay regulated, empathetic, and in controlStrategies to slowly build bridges (even when it feels impossible)Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!
RESOURCES AND MORE SUPPORT:
Shop all resources Join The Behaviour Club My book! It’s Never Just About the Behaviour: A holistic approach to classroom behaviour management The Low-Level Behaviour Bootcamp Free guide: 'Chats that Create Change' Connect with me:
Follow on Instagram @the.unteachables Check out my website
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Here’s a spicy but honest truth: sometimes, we don’t like every student we teach. And while we’re trauma-informed, values-driven, compassionate educators — we’re also human. And navigating complex behaviour, bullying, defiance, or students who constantly derail your lessons? It takes a toll. In this episode, I’m opening up the very real conversation about what to do when you find a student… unlikable. (Gasp!) I’m giving you the validation, language, and mindset shifts to acknowledge that feeling without acting from it. You’ll learn how to stay professional, regulated, and credible — while still honouring your experience. Because let’s be clear: you can not like a student and still be a bloody great teacher to them. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why it’s normal (and not shameful) to feel disconnected from certain studentsHow your personal triggers affect classroom dynamicsWhat to do when you lose objectivity or patience with “that” studentThe quiet ways your feelings show up — and what to do about themMindset shifts to stay regulated, empathetic, and in controlStrategies to slowly build bridges (even when it feels impossible)Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text! RESOURCES AND MORE SUPPORT: Shop all resources Join The Behaviour Club My book! It’s Never Just About the Behaviour: A holistic approach to classroom behaviour management The Low-Level Behaviour Bootcamp Free guide: 'Chats that Create Change' Connect with me: Follow on Instagram @the.unteachables Check out my website