ERM journal question 13.

13. Is it evident in word as well as action that the teacher has a genuine respect for his/her students? Love for the teaching profession?

            Relationship plays a huge part in a teacher’s success. If the child does not feel respected by the teacher then he/she will not see the need to respect the teacher. Relationship is key in helping children be motivated to learn. If they do not have a strong relationship with the teacher then he/she will not feel safe to express themselves. As educators it is our job to be behavioral models for our students. We cannot control what happens at home, in front of the t.v. on the playground and other environments, but we can control what happens in our classrooms. We must insure that all students are treated with respect and love while they are in our care. Children must feel safe and have a trusting relationship with the teacher and their peers for them to be willing to take risks in the classroom.

            Mrs. Afeld’s class respects her because of her respect for them. They know that their classroom is a caring community of learners and they feel safe to take risks. Mrs. Afeld loves all of her children, and genuinely cares about them and their success. She knows what her students are interested in and where they struggle. She knows that they all have different backgrounds and is considerate of each child. She shows them respect in the classroom by letting them express themselves, by giving them choice, and by openly communicating with them.

            One day a student came in to class and told Mrs. Afeld how another child hit him on the bus. She asked him who did it what class he was in etc. She said this really upsets me that this has happened and she reported it. She handled this situation with care and caution, and did not just overlook it as “kids just being kids.” Her kids feel safe talking to her about their problems because they know she will listen and do her best to make the situation better.

            I can tell that Mrs. Afeld has a love for her students and for her job. She is upbeat, positive, and cares for the children in her class. She expects the best from them and does not treat them as babies, but as growing mature individuals. She demands respect from her students and gives them her respect in return.