My English/Technical Writing professor, in college, was an ex-Marine (African American); Mr. Fuller [gunny].
In High School, I played dumb so I could take the "Special Education" classes. I got the basics down, but had no desire to excel in my education (except for welding class and shop class, and I was racing motorcycles also).
I was warned about Mr. Fuller; I procrastinated registration and had no choice but to sign up for his class. I signed up for all of his classes after I survived English 101. It was a very challenging time and I had so much respect for that man. He did not play favorites to anyone. Spelling quizzes every Friday and lots of writing. You worked in his class.
In my opinion, the whole i before e except after c and sometimes t, and all the other "laws" that go with our lanquage, is crazy.
Spelling is not a pet peeve of mine; I do notice incorrect spelling and grammer [and I still have to look up stuff because I doubt my spelling]. I try not to have "pet peeves", but in my present carnal state, it's rude people.