A struggling teacher can hinder a student’s motivation and academic growth, sometimes permanently
The question of whether a teacher’s underperformance affects students more than teachers themselves is a complex one. While it may seem that underperforming teachers primarily bear the consequences of their shortcomings such as poor evaluations, job insecurity, and professional stagnation there is significant evidence to suggest that their underperformance also has a profound and lasting impact on students. However, the extent of this impact depends on multiple factors, including the school environment, student resilience and administrative interventions.
While effective teaching is undoubtedly beneficial, some argue that teacher underperformance has minimal impact on students due to various compensatory factors such as student resilience, external learning resources, peer support, and the overall educational environment. Although it is sometimes argued that learners can still learn despite ineffective teaching, research suggests that a teacher’s performance plays a crucial role in student outcomes.
Underperforming teachers whether due to lack of subject knowledge, ineffective instructional methods, or poor classroom management can hinder student learning, motivation, and overall academic achievement. Research studies also show that learners with such teachers for consecutive years are more likely to experience learning gaps that persist throughout their education. Moreover, these teachers often fail to provide the necessary support for students to develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities and enthusiasm for learning and this can particularly disadvantage students from low-income or marginalised backgrounds who rely heavily on schools for academic and personal development. In extreme cases, a teacher’s underperformance can lead to disengagement, higher dropout rates, and a lack of preparation for future education or careers. While students undoubtedly suffer from teacher underperformance, teachers themselves often experience significant negative consequences as well. Underperforming teachers may face criticism from administrators, colleagues and parents, leading to stress, anxiety and low self-esteem.
Many teachers enter the profession with a passion for education and realising that they are not meeting expectations can be emotionally draining. Additionally, such teachers are more likely to receive negative performance evaluations, which can impact their job security, salary and professional growth opportunities. In some cases, chronic underperformance can even lead to disciplinary action or even job loss. The pressure to improve without adequate support can also lead to burnout, causing teachers to leave the profession altogether. Ultimately, the effects of teacher underperformance are felt on both sides, but the consequences for students can be more lasting and difficult to reverse.
While teachers may struggle with professional setbacks, students who receive inadequate instruction may face lifelong challenges in education and career readiness. Schools must provide struggling teachers with professional development, mentorship, and support rather than simply penalising them. At the same time, policies must be in place to ensure that students do not suffer due to prolonged ineffective teaching. The argument that underperformance affects teachers more than students is not entirely accurate. The role of teachers in shaping student success is widely acknowledged, but the extent to which underperformance affects students remains a debated topic. Today, the presence of a standardised curriculum ensures that learning objectives remain consistent regardless of teacher quality. Moreover, beyond the classroom, students have access to private tutors, educational applications, library resources, and academic workshops. Many education systems do follow structured guidelines that specify what students must learn at each grade level, reducing variability in learning outcomes.
(The writer is an educator; views are personal)
