13 Things Teachers Used to Do That Would Get Them Fired Today
Classrooms have changed a lot over the decades, and so have expectations for teacher behavior. What once passed as normal could now easily lead to disciplinary action or even termination.
- Tricia Quitales
- 5 min read
Many classroom practices from the past would never fly in modern schools. From public shaming to physical punishment, some old-school teaching methods seem shocking by today’s standards. While some teachers meant well, others crossed lines that are no longer tolerated. Reflecting on these behaviors shows how far education has come in promoting safety, respect, and student well-being.
1. Paddle Discipline
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Corporal punishment used to be a common form of discipline, with teachers keeping wooden paddles behind their desks. Getting swatted for bad behavior was seen as a lesson in obedience. Some parents even approved and encouraged it. Today, physical punishment in schools is banned in most places. A teacher caught using it would face serious consequences.
2. Publicly Posting Grades
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Teachers once displayed test scores or rankings on bulletin boards for everyone to see. This often led to embarrassment for students who didn’t perform well. It was intended to motivate but mostly caused anxiety and humiliation. Privacy laws now protect student information more strictly. Sharing grades like that would likely result in disciplinary action today.
3. Smoking in the Teachers’ Lounge
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The smell of cigarette smoke used to drift from the teacher’s lounge and into nearby hallways. Teachers could take smoke breaks during recess or planning periods without much concern. It was normal at the time and rarely questioned. Nowadays, smoking on school property is strictly prohibited. Any staff member caught doing it would face immediate disciplinary action.
4. Calling Students by Nicknames or Insults
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Teachers sometimes gave students harsh nicknames or used sarcasm to embarrass them. Names like “slowpoke” or “motor mouth” were tossed around for laughs or control. These labels often stuck with students long after the year ended. Today’s educators are trained to support emotional development, not damage it. Mocking a child could quickly lead to a formal complaint or termination.
5. Leaving Students Unattended for Long Periods
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Teachers occasionally left classrooms to run errands or chat in the hallway. Students were expected to behave without supervision for ten to twenty minutes at a time. Some even assigned a “class monitor” to keep order. Today, any incident during unsupervised time could lead to lawsuits or investigations. Leaving the classroom without coverage is now a major violation.
6. Throwing Erasers or Chalk
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To get attention, some teachers used to toss chalk or erasers at students not paying attention. It was often seen as playful or harmless, even if it caused a bit of a mess. Still, the physical nature of it is now completely unacceptable. Any thrown object in a classroom today would be considered dangerous. The teacher would likely be written up or dismissed.
7. Showing Inappropriate or Unapproved Films
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Rainy days sometimes led to spontaneous movie time, even with films not approved by the school. Teachers might show PG-13 or R-rated content without informing parents. At the time, it was rarely questioned if the kids were quiet. Now, the media shown in class must go through a strict review. One mistake like this today could mean suspension or worse.
8. Playing Favorites Openly
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Some teachers made it obvious who their favorite students were. They offered extra privileges, easier work, or public praise that crossed into favoritism. It caused tension in the classroom and discouraged fairness. Today, teachers are expected to remain unbiased and inclusive. Playing favorites could quickly lead to parent complaints and administrative scrutiny.
9. Making Students Stand in the Corner
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Standing in the corner was a common punishment that served to shame students into behaving. It isolated them in front of the entire class for extended periods. Though not physically harmful, it was emotionally damaging for many. Modern discipline focuses on support and restoration, not humiliation. This old practice would be deemed inappropriate today.
10. Reading Notes or Journals Out Loud
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If a student passed a note or left their journal behind, some teachers would read it aloud to the class. It was meant to discourage distractions or gossip but often felt invasive. These moments could cause embarrassment or long-lasting trust issues. Today, student privacy is protected more seriously than ever. A teacher who violates it could be fired for misconduct.
11. Assigning Excessive Physical Punishment as Discipline
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Teachers once had students do wall sits, run laps, or hold books over their heads as punishment. These physical tasks were considered character-building exercises. But they often humiliated kids or caused discomfort unrelated to the behavioral issue. Now, using physical effort as punishment is widely frowned upon. Teachers caught using such tactics could face immediate discipline.
12. Holding Detention Without Parental Notification
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Some teachers would keep students after school or during lunch without notifying parents. It was seen as a quick fix for misbehavior without any paperwork. However, this could cause issues if a student missed a ride or failed to check in at home. Today, schools must notify families about all disciplinary actions. Skipping that step is a legal risk that could end a career.
13. Refusing to Teach Certain Students
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In the past, some teachers openly ignored students they didn’t like or claimed they were too difficult to teach. They might refuse to call on them or skip grading their work. This level of bias damaged trust and academic success. Modern educators are required to serve every student with equity and compassion. Ignoring a child would now be seen as professional neglect.