Student submitted weeks-late assignments 5 minutes before a field trip and begged his teacher to grade them — now the internet is divided

Late submissions are not new to teachers, but there is a limit to such behavior. A high school teacher, Noelle Zoeller (@noellelovessloths), received a couple of late submissions from a student. However, what left her stunned was the email they sent, asking her to grade it within 5 minutes just so they could go on a school field trip. On April 9, 2026, the teacher shared the student's request. However, the internet is divided on the situation, given the facts, as well as the tone of the student. 

Zoeller received an email from a student at 7.55 am, which left her surprised. They informed her that they had turned in three assignments that were due weeks ago. They mentioned that they had paid to attend a field trip with their friends. However, they were informed that they needed to have passed with good grades on the assignments to attend the trip. They begged the teacher in their email to grade them in 5 minutes, adding that the bus was leaving at 8 am. "I need the assignments graded right away," they said. Additionally, the student noted that their mother frowned that if the assignments were not graded, the $20 paid would go to waste. 

The high schooler also mentioned how they had planned to attend the trip, and so didn't even carry their backpack to school. According to them, it would be pointless to sit in class and miss the trip. Although the teacher did not choose to opine, her surprised reaction at the student's request said it all. To submit assignments weeks later and then expect the teacher to grade them all within minutes, with no prior notice, felt disrespectful and unbelievable. Moreover, the student had no remorse for sending in the work late and instead seemed to show a condescending attitude in their email. 

The internet was divided, unsure of what the solution to this should be. Some pointed out that she should grade it because they at least turned it in. Others, however, highlighted there was so much wrong with the situation — the email, the tone, the multiple delayed assignments. They suggested teaching the student to be more responsible by not grading it. @neondemon319 said, "He turned it in. Grade it." @michelerenaa added, "I'm such a softie, I would grade them." @ChantelleShhhh wrote, "Are people seriously saying 'grade it?' What does that teach? Where are the natural consequences? Life doesn’t work that way." @E Andres commented, "Great opportunity to teach a life lesson about time management and responsibility. I wouldn’t be grading them." @daltonquick5 remarked, "Teacher of nearly a decade, I'm not grading them." 

For content on teaching and education, follow @noellelovessloths on TikTok.

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