Respecting the teacher is a challenge for some students. Thus, educators must find ways to earn and teach respect in order to effectively manage their classrooms. If you have trouble commanding respect from students, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’m going to discuss why students don’t respect you and reveal strategies for gaining the respect you so desperately crave.
Reasons Respecting the Teacher is Hard
You have weak boundaries
Students will not respect a teacher with weak boundaries. Joking frequently with students, using sarcasm, getting too involved in their personal lives, and revealing too much about their own lives are all since of weak boundaries, and such practices create an unhealthy teacher-student dynamic. You cannot allow students to see you as their friend, and this is the inevitable result if you are too playful. Instead, be genuine, kind, mysterious, firm, and fair. Above all, never let students forget that you are the adult and teacher.
You’re reactive
Be proactive instead of reactive. Reactivity says you are not in control and are easy to affect. Consider all the possibilities and have a plan in place, especially where classroom management is concerned. Otherwise, you will struggle, embarrass yourself, and students will lose respect. Students will also intentionally push you buttons to see if they can get a reaction out of you. Don’t fall for it. Be ready to address circumstances and behavior with a cool, calm demeanor. Show that you are always in control, even if you have to fake it.
You haven’t taught them
Students may not have learned how to respect adults, and more specifically, teachers. Even so, you can teach them to respect you through honorable actions, beliefs, and attitudes. You might demand it, saying “I am the teacher, and you will respect me,” but don’t get it twisted. No one is ever entitled to respect; respect must be earned. Don’t assume that students will respect you because of your age, title, or degrees. You must conduct yourself in a manner worthy of respect, and the example you set will teach students that you deserve it.
Final words
As the adult in the classroom, you are the role model and teacher of all things, including respect. Still, you must earn it and cultivate a culture of respect. Set boundaries, be proactive, and teach students why respecting the teacher is a precursor to success.
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