TEACHER-SPEAK TRANSLATOR

Just as every region, culture, or microcommunity has its colloquialisms- we know many professions do too.  Here is a sampling and translation of some of the unofficial language and terminology that I've heard used by educators in various places. *Don't get caught using these unless you've already applied for unemployment benefits and have a good relationship with your local teacher's union.

dumb bunny- usually used in reference to a student who is well behaved, but not very bright.

future jailbird-a child whose parent or guardian usually points the finger at the teacher, or someone else when contacted about their child's inappropriate behavior. The parent usually explain away and/or justify every inappropriate behavior throughout the school year.

mommas's baby- A student who has very high-strung, nit-picky parents. A child whose parents have not cut the cord. *However, the child himself may be a great student, well behaved, and stellar in every way. 

scholar- a smart kid; One who has the potential to do well in a subject.

star student- opposite of a dumb bunny; usually a VERY difficult to deal with and hard to manage student.