I want the opinions of people in the teaching profession: is it inappropriate to wink at female students?

Question

Its just this guy is really mean and strict with everyone else and only winks at me, and says things like he knows i like him and he goes on about how i've seen his nice side. is he wrong to say these things?

Answer 1

He is wrong, wrong, wrong.

Answer 2

Cue the Robot from "Lost in Space" flailing his appendages and saying "Danger, Penny Robinson, DANGER!!!" That is VERY inappropriate for a teacher to do. Teachers are not supposed to say or do ANYTHING that could be perceived as favoritism in any way, shape, or form. Granted, my teaching environment was much more strict than a public school or college/university (I was an academic instructor for the Air Force) but even so, the concept of keeping a "professional distance" between teachers and students has been around for decades. It's one thing for a teacher to take an interest in a student if that student appears to be having problems, or if the teacher is trying to "mentor" that student, but what you describe is WAY out of bounds. Be careful, and don't be surprised if this teacher starts making inappropriate advances toward you. If that happens, blow the whistle on him.

Answer 3

This is a bit of a sticky question. Your teacher is way out of line, not for winking at you, but for saying inapproriate things to accompany the winks. However, winking, accompanied by a smile only, is like a little private acknowledgement and encouragement, and students understand it for what it is. I've taught many Asian ESL teachers who have learned to appreciate the value of it because winking is not generally practiced by people in Asia. Teachers, especially in very large Asian classes, can't or don't have the time to encourage students individually or verbally in a class setting, so the wink is a fun way to do it and acknowledge a student's effort or answer.

Answer 4

A teacher needs to treat all students equally and fairly. First of all, a teacher winking at a student, is not appropriate. When he says that he knows you like him, that is also not appropriate. If I worked with this teacher, I would either say something to him or to the proncipal. There are too many teachers these days that abuse there position and take advantage of students. It sounds like this is what he may be doing to you. He is attempting to build a relationship with you that may lead to something more inappropriate. I worked with a guy who used to call female students on their cell phones and ask them to meet him for lunch onthe weekends. He has since been fired. Watch out, and make sure you let another adult know about this in case something does happen.

Answer 5

Probably... especially if it makes you feel singled out and uncomfortable. I think you should print your question and your responses and tell him that after thinking about it, you would prefer that he doesn't wink at you or alienate you from the rest of the class any longer.
You should 1) tell him so yourself privately first (but with the door open so that others could come in.

or 2) ask the counselor to have a conference with you and with him together to discuss your concern.

3) If he doesn't listen to you and stop, ask your principal for an appointment. Bring a copy of this print (and the date you printed it) with you, a record of your asking him to stop winking and making you uncomfortable, a record that you stopped to talk to the counselor about this, and the dates that he continued to act in this way. If you keep going up the authority ladder, you will find a person he will have to listen to (and who will also work to protect you in this situation).

Answer 6

Yes it is wrong if a male teacher is doing that to only one female student. And it's not so much the winking as the comments and the fact that he is only doing it to you.

Write him a note or go see him after school and tell him his comments and winking are "making you uncomfortable" and that you "want him to stop doing it". If he continues, report him to the principal or guidence counselor. If nothing gets done, go to your parents.

Answer 7

At the very least, it's really bad judgement on his part. It's never a good idea to do anything that could be mistaken for flirting with a student. I can't say what his actual intentions were, but my advice is to ignore them unless they get worse. And in that case tell an adult about it.

Answer 8

There is a very fine line today between what is and is not appropriate between teachers and students. It's usually better to err on the side of caution (especially with lawsuits and overly-sensitive parents, etc.)

In your case, the rule of thumb should be whether or not he is making you uncomfortable. If so, then it is not appropriate, and you should speak up about it.

Good luck!

Answer 9

No it is not appropriate just ignore it now but if he does anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or makes more sexual advances toward you than report him. Tell him you dont like when he winks at you.

Answer 10

a touch pleasant wink is nice even though it sounds like this guy may be going a touch too far, except you're in basic terms misinterpreting his which potential. If I were you. i'd beware of him and if it retains or you quite imagine he is going too far then communicate inclusive of your education counselor about it.....it ought to probably be that he potential not something by technique of it and should be made conscious of it devoid of causing an uproar. .

Answer 11

This is the fifth or sixth time you have posted this question. If you are really that unsure and uncomfortable about this, you need to talk to a school official.