In today's classrooms, the respect for teacher from students is diminishing rapidly. I feel like the lack of respect is one huge reason why we have an increase in bullying and behavior issues in our schools. Respect is a value that must be earned but begins by being learned! Typically beginning at home, but respect is taught by teachers as early as the preschool years and on into their primary school years. However, if that same value is not demanded and encouraged from home, it will not overflow into daily lives at school. I am a firm believer in respect of not only those in authority, such as adults and teachers, but every person you come in contact with on a daily basis. If we do not require students to have respect for us as teachers, we are providing them with a vast disservice in their future.
On the other hand, as teachers, I firmly believe we must respect our students as well. As we demonstrate respect for each of our students, I feel the respect will be reciprocated from them. We must be the example to our talk to show our students we make the walk! When we can get our students, parents, teachers, and administrators working together, I believe we will see a decrease in bullying and poor behavior. We must be models and examples for the behavior and expectations we have of our students.
Here's my challenge to you: Let's take it with us...as we walk the walk when we talk the talk in our classrooms! Be an example your students want to follow!
