Marie,
Your "teacher" needs to go back to school and take some leadership classes. People learn things in different ways and the teaching model needs to accommodate all styles of learning.
Don't feel bad, she is just ignorant. You might want to do a little research on the topic and send it to her.
Or better yet, take it to her supervisor. This type of harassment is unacceptable in the work place and should not be tolerated. It is bad for business.