Do you think teachers should be friendly with their students?

Question

Or, should a teacher be strictly professional at all times?
I am a fairly laid back teacher that likes to tell jokes and I get along really well with my students, but sometimes I think my collegues find me to be too laid back. What do you think?

Answer 1

You have to lay the groundwork of respect the first day, recognizing the uniqueness and gift each individual offers the world. Once you have set the example, you should let it be known you deserve the same respect you display to them.

The most difficult thing in teaching, is recognizing individual differences and teaching the individual and not the class; yet,
setting standards that apply to all.

Sample: Suzy did not complete her homework on time because her aunt came to visit...and she hadn't seen her for three years...and her parents took the family out to dinner and....

"Friends"? I think not, especially in this world. Never leave the door closed when you're with a student alone, regardless of gender.

Jokes? Work them into the lesson plan. If teaching history, tell the students trivia... peculiar quirks of people in history.

Lastly, in this day the students EXPECT to be entertained. If it isn't entertaining, it isn't fun and there is no need in working on the assigned task. They live in a mass media world, and you'll have to put some of it to work to make lessons "fun".
There appears to be little left of learning for learning sake... that learning for the sake of learning is a worthwhile endeavor.

Answer 2

Don't do anything to jeopardize your job.

Beyond that, I feel it's all personal choice. I'm very relaxed with my students, and I feel it's important to maintain at least a medium-deep relationship with them during the class in order to facilitate greater learning. I never do anything unprofessional, I never do anything that even borders on inappropriate (these days I stay continents away), and I never allow my role as a teacher to be forgotten (or transformed into that of a parent, friend, etc.).

It's kind of like that first time that an adult treated you as an adult, even if you were still a small child. Those are the memories that people cherish and the life-influencing moments that shape things...if I can create more of those (and help keep my students "on the path"), my informality is deserved. Just don't let students take advantage of it and think that you're an "easy" teacher - that's probably what your colleagues assume as well.

I work one-on-one with most of my students, and I get some flak from their parents regarding my approach. The kids' grades don't lie, though.

Answer 3

I am a student and i like laid back teachers. Teachers who are strictly all about the subject bores me. I am a quiet person but i wish i can have a connection with a couple teachers of mine. I do like teachers who want to be friendly with me, its very refreshing. I think they should be friendly with everyone though and it really helps the students' levels at least with me i think. I think those kind of teachers ae special at least in my opinion. I am more likely to pay attention to what they say if they dont ignore me and are friendly, for sure.

But also they should have a professional stance too and dicipline kids who are not on task or whatever.

Answer 4

I think being laid back and very friendly comes with experience and know-how. Older teachers can be almost any way they want, and be amazingly effective. Younger teachers have to keep shifting their personalities to find what works and what doesn't, and it can be exhausting and confusing. Probably you're a younger teacher because if you were older, you wouldn't care. I'd suggest you keep your focus on your objectives with the kids and try not to notice (especially think too much) on whether your personality is right... and overtime, that real you that will be the most effective will come out.

Answer 5

Boundaries are key. You can be laid back and joke ( like I do) but they must know when the lines are crossed. I was in a situation where a child asked me an inappropriate question about my personal life and the kids thought it was okay because I laugh and joke with them. After the situation was handled ( by the vice principal) I realized the kids need to understand that I may laugh and dance and joke with them about their life and current events but never do I involve my personal life nor do I cross the lines. They know when I say cut it now and sit down. They better stop laughing and put their game faces on! It is all about boundaries!

Answer 6

I'm also pretty laid back....to a point. They know I'm in charge, because I act like it. I joke with them, make them laugh, and make them as comfortable in my class as possible. However, if a boundry is crossed, there is a consequence. I treat all kids the same...no favorites.

I teach middle school math. MANY kids hate math which I tell them is OK. I don't expect them to enjoy math, but I do expect comptence. I would not be able to keep my sanity if I didn't lighten up the atmosphere.

Answer 7

FRIENDLY is an adverb describing something and FRIEND is a noun.

I tell my students the very first day of school...I may be FRIENDLY with you BUT I AM NOT YOUR FRIEND.

I teach MS and this freaks them out, but after a couple of weeks they know what I mean.

How many of your students have gone to the movies with, drank a beer with, have over to the house for poker/scrap booking (depending upon gender ;), etc.

I know several younger teachers that do those sorts of things and you should observe the level of (dis)respect with those teachers.

But then again...I'm 37 and not 22 straight out of college.

Take care

Answer 8

you need to do what works for you. as long as your students are well behaved, they work hard, and maintain respect for you...just keep doing what you are doing. it doesn't matter what your collegues think.

however i would caution you...just make sure you are friendly because it works for your teaching style. don't rely on students to substitute your "friend" interactions. they aren't adults and you still need adult friend contact too!

i don't say this because i'm trying to insult you. but my first year of teaching i found i was so busy at school, always there planning lessons, that my students were the only social contact i had!!! and that wasn't good! i lost sight of their best interests because i needed interaction with people.... i should have skipped the after school grading and made a date with some friends to go out to dinner!

Answer 9

Friendly, yes, but buddy-buddy, no.
Nothing wrong with telling a few jokes and being amiable in the classroom, but if you're hanging out with the students after class, that becomes a whole different ballgame and your colleagues have reason for concern.

Answer 10

As long as they know where the line is, why not?
The best college prof I had was laid back, joke, kidded around, but if you ever questioned or challenged his authority, God help you!