Angela D. Coleman, Ìbíyínká Oladojá Oyèwọlá, is a nonprofit executive, social entrepreneur, and scholar-practitioner dedicated to transforming communities through innovation, systems-level thinking, and equity-centered solutions.
Good and bad teachers exist, plus many who fall in between. Due to the power dynamic between adults and children, it is important that teachers maintain ethical boundaries and never take advantage of children. We must safeguard our children by recognizing good and bad teachers in spirit, intention, and behavior.
The power and authority entrusted to a teacher must always be used responsibly and never exploited for selfish reasons.
A teacher is a protector and guide, never an abuser. This is what makes a teacher “good.” But there are bad teachers, too. As students and parents, educators, and the educated, we must be able to recognize the difference between good and bad teachers if we want to thrive.
The responsibility
A teacher is more than just an instructor; they are mentors, guides, and role models. They are entrusted with shaping young lives, helping children grow not only in their academic and athletic skills but also in their character, confidence, and sense of self-worth. When a child steps into a classroom, they are vulnerable — open to learning, trusting in those who are meant to support and guide them. This is a responsibility that should never be taken lightly.
The power
The foundation of the teacher-student relationship is built on respect, trust, and the understanding that the adult in this dynamic holds a position of power. A teacher or coach has tremendous influence over the child, shaping their experiences, self-esteem, and future. This power, however, comes with a sacred duty— a duty to nurture, protect, and support the child in their journey.
It is never to be used for personal gain, manipulation, or to fulfill selfish desires.
Opportunities for exploitation
The inherent trust in both good and bad teachers means that this power can be abused very easily. This presents a precarious and pervasive vulnerability.
No teacher or coach, under any circumstance, should take advantage of the child’s trust or vulnerability.
Bad teachers who take advantage of a child’s innocence can scar a child for life. The bond between them must be one of guidance, care, and safety. When a teacher or coach crosses the line, when they use their position to exploit the child for their own gratification, it is not just an act of betrayal — it is an abuse of trust and power.
The child is not in a position to fully understand the dynamics at play or to resist the manipulation of someone they see as a trusted figure. It is the adult’s role to protect, teach, and set boundaries, not to break them for their own selfish benefit. Teachers who do this are engaging in childhood abuse.
Parents beware
Bad teachers shatter the core values of respect, dignity, and ethical responsibility that are an integral part of this noble profession. A teacher has no right to take advantage of a child’s trust, innocence, or dependence. The duty to provide a safe environment — emotionally, mentally, and physically — must always come first.
Any violation of this is not just wrong; it is a betrayal of everything the role stands for.
Good teachers understand that children deserve to grow up in an environment where they feel safe, respected, and valued. They are the ones who helps a child feel empowered, supported, and confident in their own abilities.
What to do about good and bad teachers
Let’s honor, appreciate, and thank the good teachers and our lives and hold the bad teachers who violate our trust fully accountable by making sure they never have this authority and power again.
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