Question for any teachers out there?

Question

How do you feel if you are upset and crying over something and one of your students comforts you?

Answer 1

I'll admit I'm not a teacher but i see nothing wrong with teachers crying in front of students. I had a teacher who was given some very depressing news during lessons. I think it was a death in the family, a close relative, not someone she didn't know very well. If you expect her to take it and not cry, then it might say to the kids in the class that she was heartless or something. Her students comforted her and she was very grateful for it. She even made it to our graduation, even though she was still mourning.

Answer 2

I totally disagree that it is always unprofessional to cry in front of students. There are circumstances where it can be acceptable. For example, upon the newsreports of the 9/11 bombings, the space shuttle the blew up with Christa McCauliff (sp?), the news of a students or teacher's death. These allow students to see that you are human and that sometimes it is OK to cry. Our culture is too uptight about crying. Unless you are talking about young students giving you a hug or something like that, then no, I don't think it is appropriate to allow a student to comfort a teacher. If the teacher is upset about a boyfriend or fight with her husband that should not be shared. If a teacher can't keep herself under control in that type of a situation, then they need to ask to have the class covered until they can compose themself or perhaps go home. If this happens frequently, then that also is an inappropriate response.

Answer 3

I would have to be EXTREMELY upset to cry in front of my students. But saying that, there are times when it may not be helped.....
* the death of your own parent and coming back to work
* the death of a student in the school
* death of a teacher
* September 11th was a scary time for children
* when a parent goes overseas for a tour of duty

I tend to get very emotional when i see other people cry so i have a hard time controlling my tears, but in 18 years I have only twice in front of my students.I am pretty sure I wouldn't let a child comfort me. But when you teach in a small community, sometimes your students are your relatives and your children's friends.
Really tough questions because I can definitely see both sides.

Answer 4

I agree with the idea that it is sometimes okay to cry in front of your students, such as when a death or tragedy occurs, but I think that the age of the students also plays a big role in it too. For instance, with younger students it may be traumatizing to see thier teacher crying. I teach kindergarten, and I can't imagine crying in front of them. I think it would be okay under the right circumstances, and if the students were old enough to understand what is going on.

Answer 5

I never let my students know if I'm upset. That would just give them the upper hand, since they're the ones that probably upset me. Also, I feel that that would break the boundries between student and teacher. They are not to be your friends.

Answer 6

It would be very unprofessional to cry in front of a student. If the student comforted me, I would say thank you and excuse myself. I hope that didn't really happen.

Answer 7

Teachers shouldn't be crying in class. If they ever cryed at school, it wouldn't be in front of students. That is just wrong.

Answer 8

Teachers shouldn't take comfort in their students. it may be innocent, but if someone walks by and sees him/her consolling a teacher, they might get the wrong idea. i personally would be totally freaked out.

Answer 9

CREEPY your just a pity party grow up