Never become friends with a student(s)
Creates numerous conflicts and complicates the success of the learning process.
Over-familiarity with students is asking for trouble. The relationship between Instrutor and Student is similar to the relationship that is expected between Officer and Enlisted in the military and Correctional Officer and Inmate in a prison facility. Mutual respect is fine, but there is a line that should not be crossed to maintain order and respect.
Exactly I politely decline any invitations outside of the school setting. My motto is to be friendly but not friends.
Hi Charissa,
It is good to be honest and up front with your students and practice professionalism at all times. Some instructor are way too easy to accept invites.
Patricia
This same scenario happens alot to me. My students know I care about their personal successes and classroom successes, they are always treated with respect. I stay away from social settings outside of school. I too, tell them thank you and that I appreciate the invitation, but it's just not a line I can cross.
Nothing good can come from that!!! Students then have expectations that you will give them pasing grades because your friends. They need to learn on their own. Accord to my instructor gidlines that I signed, I am not allowed to fratinize with my students.
Not sure if I was misunderstood. I do not condone becoming friends with students,ever. Graduates are another story. Once the student leaves the school and goes on to become a professional we are on the same level and friendships are what life is all about.
Hi Phyllis,
It is fine to befriend graduates. I too have met students I would love to befriend while they are in school, but my professionalism says no, not good.
Patricia
Hi Jessica,
I concur! Developing personal relationships can cause way too many problems. Do not develop personal relationships with students.
Patricia
I agree, you can't become friends with your students and continue to expect the necessary respect to continue to teach at a high level. I think it is important to get to know your students and a little about them but not to develope a personal relationship outside the class room.
I have met a student or two whom I wish I could be friends with but, it's just not professional to do so. I have become good friends with a former student once she graduated, that is a rewarding friendshipp.
I always treat my students with respect and they know that I do care about their success. They appreciate this and often invite me to join them in some social setting outside of school. It's a line that I never cross. I always tell them that I appreciate the invitation, but that it would be unprofessional.
Hi Adelia,
I concur! Way too many problems are generated from befriending students. Keep the relationship professional.
Patricia
