Teacher Appreciation Week 2011

I learned that the students do not need another friend.  They need you to be friendly but they also need to know that you have expectations that they need to follow.  Being firm with a student will not make them dislike you (forever at least)!  It will let them know that you expect them to be doing their best and will accept nothing less.  A firm and structured classroom allows you to relate with the students on a friendly level because they do not get out of control when situations become less strict.  The students know their limits within the classroom but also know that you are there to support them in acheiving their educational goals.  A kind, yet strict guide through the teenage years is something a lot of my students need!

Teaching is about having appropriate relationships with your students and their families.  If they know you care about them, they will be safe and happy -- and that makes learning so much richer.