11 Things Teachers Did That Would Be Fired for Today
Here's a look back at 11 real teacher behaviors from the past that would almost certainly cost an educator their job today.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
Teaching practices have evolved dramatically over the past few decades, and many behaviors once considered normal are now viewed as abusive, dangerous, or unethical. From corporal punishment to public shaming, these outdated actions often left students physically or emotionally harmed. Today’s educational environment prioritizes safety, consent, and respect, making these old methods unacceptable and fireable offenses.
1. Corporal Punishment in Class
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In the past, teachers could legally paddle, smack, or hit students for misbehavior. This was seen as a form of discipline, often done in front of the entire class. Today, such acts would almost certainly lead to immediate suspension or firing, along with potential legal consequences.
2. Publicly Shaming Students
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Some teachers used to make struggling students stand in a corner with a dunce cap or announce failing grades to the whole class. The intent was to “motivate” through embarrassment, but it often left long-term emotional scars. Now, such behavior would be considered emotional abuse and grounds for dismissal.
3. Smoking in the Classroom
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Decades ago, it was not unusual for teachers to smoke at their desks while teaching. Cigarette smoke would fill the room, with students forced to breathe it in. In modern times, this would not only get a teacher fired but could result in legal action from parents.
4. Driving Students in Their Own Car Without Permission
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It was once common for teachers to give students rides home or to events without any official approval. While often done out of kindness, there were no background checks, safety protocols, or parental consent. Today, this would be a serious policy violation that could end a career.
5. Dating or Flirting with Students
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In the past, there were instances where teachers entered inappropriate relationships with students, and disturbingly, it was sometimes ignored. Power imbalances and ethics were overlooked, leading to exploitation. Now, this is both a criminal offense and an immediate termination matter.
6. Making Physical Appearance Comments
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Teachers once freely commented on students’ weight, height, or clothing, even using nicknames based on appearance. At the time, this was seen as harmless teasing or “character building.” Today, it’s recognized as body shaming or harassment and could lead to formal complaints.
7. Showing Inappropriate Films
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Some teachers would show movies with explicit language, violence, or sexual content, claiming they were “educational.” Parents often never knew what their children were exposed to. Now, showing such material without permission could result in a teacher being fired or sued.
8. Using Racial or Cultural Slurs
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There was a time when certain derogatory terms were casually used in classrooms, even by educators. These words were often presented as part of “history lessons” without context or sensitivity. In modern schools, this would violate anti-discrimination policies and likely result in immediate termination.
9. Forcing Right-Handed Writing
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Teachers once tied children’s left hands to their desks or physically forced them to write with their right hand. This came from outdated beliefs that left-handedness was “wrong” or “inferior.” Such behavior today would be seen as abuse and could lead to lawsuits.
10. Ignoring Bullying or Participating in It
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Some teachers not only turned a blind eye to bullying but actively joined in by mocking targeted students. This created toxic and unsafe classroom environments. Today, educators are required to follow strict anti-bullying protocols, and failure to do so can mean dismissal.
11. Giving Physical Labor as Punishment
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In the past, students might be forced to scrub floors, clean bathrooms, or carry heavy objects as discipline. This was treated as a lesson in responsibility rather than exploitation. Now, it’s considered unsafe, inappropriate, and a violation of labor and child protection laws.