When Did Adults Stop Respecting Teachers?

Teenagers get a bad reputation. They’re often labelled rude, ungrateful, distracted, entitled… the list goes on.

But here’s the honest truth: that hasn’t been my experience at all.

Since creating my student-facing platform for A-Level Biology, I’ve worked with thousands of teenagers online. And time after time, I’m reminded of how polite, appreciative and genuinely kind they are. They thank me. They cheer me on. They message to tell me that a video helped them feel confident or that a lesson helped turn their grades around.

Meanwhile, something completely different happens on my teacher-focused platform.

And that’s what I want to talk about today.

The Two Audiences – And Two Very Different Experiences

On my student platform (with most people aged 16–24), the tone is overwhelmingly positive. Teenagers — the same teenagers the media claims “don’t respect authority” — are thoughtful, grateful and incredibly encouraging.

Of course, not every adult online is rude. Many are lovely, encouraging and incredibly supportive. I’ve had beautiful messages from parents, former students and people who just genuinely value education.

But when I compare the two audiences overall? The contrast is impossible to ignore.

On my teacher platform, the negativity comes not from teachers… but from other adults — often ones not even in education. When my content gets pushed beyond my lovely community and reaches a wider audience, that’s when the tone shifts.

Suddenly, I get:

• “Teachers have it easy.”
• “Try a real job.”
• “Pathetic.”
• “Lazy.”
• “How do you not already know that?”

Not constructive. Not curious. Just dismissive.

And interestingly, the inappropriate or unpleasant comments I do occasionally get? Those tend to come from adults too, not students.

So that leaves us with a big question…

Why Do Students Respect Teachers More Than Some Adults?

I’ve been thinking about this a lot, and I think there are a few reasons.

1️⃣ The “Lazy Teacher” Narrative Is Powerful

There is a persistent media narrative that paints teachers as:

• Working 9–3
• Having endless holidays
• Earning “too much”
• Constantly complaining
• Always striking

We know that isn’t reality. But when this message is repeated again and again, people believe it.

Instead of seeing teachers as professionals navigating a demanding, emotionally intense job, they view us as lucky, cushioned and undeserving of support. So when they see teachers online sharing tips, strategies or just talking honestly… the reaction isn’t empathy. It’s resentment.

2️⃣ Everyone Went to School — So Everyone Thinks They’re an Expert

Teaching is one of the few professions that everyone feels qualified to critique, because everyone has been in a classroom.

People assume:

“I was taught once, therefore I know what good teaching is.”
“I sat in lessons, therefore I understand the workload.”

But being in a classroom and running one are two completely different experiences. And unfortunately, some adults mistake familiarity for expertise.

Students, on the other hand, are currently living education. They feel the impact of good teaching every single day. So when they find help, guidance or support, they appreciate it.

3️⃣ Students See the Benefit. Adults Forget It.

When a student watches a video that finally makes osmosis click, or joins a live session that reduces their anxiety… the benefit is immediate. Their grades improve. Their confidence grows. Their future feels more secure.

So they say thank you.

Adults, especially those far removed from school, forget what that feels like. Distance dulls appreciation.

It’s Not Just Me

This isn’t just a solo observation either. The Teach Sleep Repeat podcast recently explored this exact topic — why public perception of teaching is often so negative compared to what actually happens in schools every day.

If you’re interested in going deeper into the conversation, it’s a fantastic listen.

So…When Does Respect Change?

Here’s the part I can’t stop thinking about.

Teenagers — the ones society loves to criticise — are, in my experience, overwhelmingly respectful.

Adults? Some absolutely are. But some aren’t.

So somewhere between leaving education and adult life, respect for teachers fades.

That feels like something worth reflecting on as a society.

Because teachers shape futures. They carry emotional loads most professions will never understand. They care deeply — often more deeply than is healthy.

And yet, they’re still questioned, criticised and undermined.

So my final question to you is:

When — and why — does that respect change? And how do we start rebuilding it?

I’d Love to Hear Your Thoughts

Have you noticed the same thing? Do your students treat you with more respect than the wider adult public?

Come chat with me on Instagram at @miss.estruch.teach.and.tell — I’d love to hear your perspective.

And if you enjoy reflections like this, don’t forget there’s a full podcast episode on this topic over on Miss Estruch Teach & Tell. Listen on Spotify or YouTube.

Teachers deserve to feel valued. Let’s keep this conversation going.