An individualistic approach to education seems more logical than a one size fits all mold. Teacher preference has a huge impact on how students learn and motivate themselves, which means it should hold some weight when it comes down to final class selection.

You can’t please everyone. But each year, as class schedules are passed out, the general consensus seems to be that almost no one is pleased. Not the elective you wanted, not the hour you wanted it, and most often not the teacher you hoped for.

“It’s important to get a variety of experiences, but also sometimes it’s just not possible to be with the teacher that you like the best.” said Ms. Arnold on why students should base education on class criteria as opposed to available teacher.

However, even she can’t deny that there are certain benefits to class selection on teacher preference, “Sometimes a student and a teacher really connect, and the student learns well from a certain teacher or their teaching style.” she said.

There is definitely something to be said for style of teaching and style of learning. Everyone has surely experienced instances where a teacher’s style just doesn’t coincide with yours, their method of teaching isn’t clear to you and it’s detrimental to your education. The argument is that it prepares you for the “real world”. But this is a flimsy way of justifying a deficiency in our education. That deficiency is the unwillingness to bend even when it contributes to students who are more motivated. There’s a fine line between “preparing for the real world” and just doing a disservice.

Education shouldn’t be about glossing over that disservice, the people who have a hand in our education should be constantly striving to give us the most effective and valuable education possible. It’s not practical to look at every student and turn away their request based on a rigid guideline that seems to sometimes do more harm than good.

“A good student teacher relationship benefits them tremendously…students are going to work harder, plus if you have a good relationship with your teacher you just like going to class more. You’ll be more attentive and more involved in class.” said Ms. Arnold.