People Person
I'm such a people person. I love people. Is that a bad thing when starting to teach? I don't want the students to see right through me and take advantage of my kindness. Is that a possibility?
Georgianna,
Good strategy to have in terms of student relationships. You are maintaining the needed professional boundaries while establishing rapport with your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am also a people person. I think it is a good thing to be human and approachable. There are people you meet in class that you would like to be come friends with but I find that you have to make sure not to cross that line while they are a student. It is to hard to be friends and have them in the classroom. I will not let myself do anything with a student until they have graduated from our career school.
Kali,
I agree because the human factor in teaching is an essential element of the developmental and learning process. The students need to be able to look to you as a role model for the field as well as a human being.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think being a people person is important when it comes to teaching otherwise it may be difficult to engage students or to even motivate them.
Jeanette,
Keep in mind that you are the learning leader for your students. You are not their peer or buddy. Even if you are a people person as the authority figure in the classroom you need to be prepared and organized for each class meeting. Your students respect you if they know you have the expertise to instruct them. Don't be afraid to share a laugh with them and show your human side just keep it clear you are the instructor and you will do fine.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
