Chapter 2: Respect, Liking, Trust, and Fairness

There are many things that are important for the overall atmosphere of a classroom and I believe one of these is respect. I feel that in order to have a well balanced classroom and a fully functioning classroom, students and teachers must be able to respect each other. However I feel that there definitely needs to be a “difference between respect and liking” (17). Students must know that individually the teacher needs to meet their needs. However, they need to consider the fact that there are 20 other students who have needs as well. Students must give teachers a little leeway with what they are doing. I do believe that students ultimately want to have good teacher rather than having a fun teacher. However it isn’t always easy to feel comfortable in class when you are being judged by your peers. In the long run I believe that the students want to put their work in front of their popularity. I also agree that “kids want teachers to put good teacher ahead of popularity” (19).

I really understand from a student perspective as well as a future teacher that having respect in the classroom is important. But I think an obstacle arises when students are expecting more of a friend then a teacher. I would love to have a classroom of 20 new friends, however I am there to teach, help and guide. Along the way if a friendship should develop then that is one positive aspect of teaching. But to be professional and to be a great teacher I believe there needs to be a distinction between a friend and teacher. These teachers are there to be a teacher first and a friend second.