Dear Carli,

I am having a problem with one of my teachers. I feel like they are continually singling me out in class and criticizing my work harder than they do to other students. It is not my best class, but I am not a troublemaker and I don’t slack. I want to have a better relationship with my teacher so that I can have a better time in class, but I don’t want to offend them if I ask about it. What should I do?

Singled out

Dear Singled out,

In order to solve your problems with your teacher, you need to think about how your actions in class may be perceived, regardless of if you think you are not being a troublemaker. It is possible that you do not participate as much as the teacher expects you to, or that they expect more of you because they know you are a hard worker. Instead of dwelling on how your teacher may be not treating you fairly, see it as a challenge to make yourself be an even better student. However, if they continue to act this way or if it begins to feel harmful, consider speaking to them after class or speaking to your counselor about it.

Carli