Friend or Foe

It all happened in a stagnant manner comparable to the slow-motion scenes you'd see in action films. While monitoring the convoluted river of students passing through the halls, I heard a deafening voice which nearly erupted my ear lobes. As I traced the source of the blaring screams, I see in the distant end of the hallway a teacher yelling at a group of adolescent female students for congregating around the hall for an extensive period of time. One extra defiant student decided to fire back with a combination of angry facial expressions, incomprehensible slang, and unnecessary use of hand gestures. It was as if I was watching two wolves fighting over rightful territory, eyes gleaming with scorn and jaws craving to sink deeply into fresh skin. Observing this little fiasco reminded me of one of many rules established within the student teaching community; do not befriend the students.

It's been a week and a half since I have embarked on my journey of full-time, official student teaching. There have been many ups and downs along the way already and one issue I've come across involves my relationship with the students. After spending approximately half of my day with these young adults, how am I expected to not befriend these endearing, pubescent brats? Though some may drive me to the point of insanity, the compassionate teacher within myself has grown to truly appreciate their academic endeavors and individual quirks. I'm feeling pressured to diminish this side of me and to approach a more strict, stoic type of mentality in my teaching.

As I mentally negotiated upon which teaching personality I should sacrifice for the other, all my observations from Core 1 to my current student teaching rushed into my subconscious like torrential rain. I remembered that some of the most defiant students I've observed or worked with in the past were consistently disciplined through dictator-like methods. Yelling, shouting, threats of rotations. If I absolutely disdain being aggressively addressed, why would these much younger individuals appreciate and grow from such treatment? I'm sure that there is a time and place for such actions, but I truly believe  that these students act out in class due to the negative environment created within the classroom setting.

So far in the semester, I have placed a great amount of effort into getting to know my students and establishing a decent rapport with them. I would like to avoid raising my voice as much as possible, and the results have been extraordinary. A once disruptive and loud class became calm and well-mannered when I was addressing the proper use of semicolons for bell work. I strongly believe that my use of "please" and "thank you's" have established the idea that I am making a conscious effort to earn their respect. In doing so, they have been responding graciously in return with responsible, civil behavior in class.

It is true that I, as a student teaching candidate, should not try to make friends with the students. Yet, I am doing my absolute best to earn their respect. The difference is clear and from my perspective, worth every effort put forth.