Teaching with respect…

I know for myself, that when I am in a classroom where I am respected, I am that much more willing to give it in return. Caring about others deeper aspects of life is a learned skill, not practiced by all. In order to be an effective teacher, one must continually emphasize the key element of interest and acceptance. A supportive environment is one where students are emotionally welcome to be themselves in a way that is accepted without guidelines of perfection.

There is no shortage of caring teachers in the field of education, but there needs to be a fostering of such an attitude in order to maintain a motivation of high standards of respect for students and teachers alike. In creating caring relationships with our students, we need to remember to emphasize love as the key element for success.

In my elementary school experience, I had a teacher who took particular interest in me. She showed me unconditional love, no matter what the outside circumstances were. She pointed out my strengths, was warm and friendly, helped me to be strong in tough situations, and fostered an overall feeling of love and acceptance in her classroom. She was an example to me of what I want to be like for my students. It’s easy to love the clean, smart, well-mannered kids, but it takes work to really appreciate all students for what they are deep inside.

As a future teacher, I want to develop an awareness in my students that stems outside of school activities. I want them to be able to open up to me about struggles they have on the playground or at home. I want to be an advocate for their safety and good mental health. It takes direct interaction to build the kind of relationship that fosters trust and motivation for achievement, but through a loving and supportive attitude, it can be done.