Hi Joel,
I concur! Students have much respect for instructors who are very professional versus those instructors who are not professional.
Patricia
I'm going to address this issue in a slightly different manner, as my colleagues have already excellently discussed all the ways maintaining a professional distance benefits the students. For first-time teachers, and younger teachers, there is another important benefit of maintaining that distance, and that is in order not to lose one's self in the lives of your students. Getting to know them too well, their problems and issues, can lead a teacher to become far too wrapped up in the stress of their students' lives, and taking that kind of energy home with you at the end of every day can be draining.
It's easy to care so much and want to save every student, and certainly we should do all we can, within reason, to do so. However, once you start becoming too emotionally invested in their issues, they become your issues, and young teachers especially can burn out easily if they don't maintain some distance. That burn out will begin to show in the classroom, and all students, even the ones who are paying you only to teach them, not help them with all of their problems, will suffer from it.
Knowing your students' issues can help you be a more effective instructor, but knowing how and when to refer them to the appropriate resources for help will keep you from losing yourself in the process, and also make you more effective.
Hi Amy,
I certainly understand your perspective here. It is amazing what dress can do to your energy level.
Patricia
Hi Joel,
This is one of the fastest way to lose your job when you establish a personal relationship with a student, especially one of the opposite sex.
Patricia
If an instructor becomes too close with his or her students, the other students that are more reserved within the class may feel more distant than ever and may even become discouraged from going to class again. The instructor should also know that any type of relationship with a student that is unprofessional is grounds for termination.
Hi Nancy and Patricia,
I have to agree with both of you in regards to a professional dress code. We do have the choice to "dress down" in scrubs if we choose to. I find myself wearing scrubs every once in a while, but more than 90% of the time I wear suits or more than just "dressy casual". Not only am I a role model for the students, but I feel so much better dressing the part. When in scrubs, I feel as if I am still in my pj's and very lazy! When I dress up, there is a big difference all around. I am more vibrant. I seem to keep the attention better. I get more work done. What an amazing difference!
In short, students by nature will take advantage of teachers who do not display professionalism. Professionalism is general sets the standard for students in that class.
I have found sometimes by just listening to them is a way for them to release some of their built up stress. (Always at break time, never during class time.)
However, I never give them any advice or tell them any of my personal problems. I do however let them know that they can contact the student resources service.
Being dressed in a professional manner and practicing concern and compassion for students without being "buddies" with them results in respect for the instructor, which in turn will make it easier to manage the class. It also sets an example for students to emulate and gives them a clearer picture of how they should conduct themselves as professionals in the workplace.
Hi Patricia,
Maintaining a professional image around students at all times is a must. You as the instructor are looked upon by the students as someone who will increase their skill set and guide them on their chosen career path. You are in the classroom to listen, instruct, not there to be their buddy.
Hi Lindsey,
I fully understand. We have a free program as well for students at my institution that consist of all kinds of counselors to help students overcome challenges. I refer students to this free counseling all the time. Students will weigh you down with their baggage if you allow them to do so.
Patricia
In order to maintain a level of professionalism and leadership, I have always followed the military model that you never socialize with those you supervise or teach. The reason is not so much to prove that I am in charge as much as it to keep both the student and me safe from claims of favortism, teacher's pet, or worse, some wild tale about a relationship outside of class. by maintaining a professional image and demeanor, I can better be objective, fair and unbias in decisions that have to be made. This allows me to model what I expect from them every day. Over time, the consistency of my actions lead to respect and creates a rapport with the class that I truly enjoy and cherish.
Dr. sandy Gecewicz
It is important to maintain a professional image in the classroom. While I like to get to know my students and their personalities I also try to maintain professional boundaries. Lots of students that came to our school have baggage. I am not a licensed counselor and am not giong to pretend to be. We offer a program designed to help students free of charge and I always refer them to that. I like getting to know my students but I always try to maintain a professional image.
Hi Karen,
Listening to students personal problems is fine, but always remember the student/teacher relationship should be kept strictly professional.
Patricia
Professionalism is everything. If the students do not initially understand that you are professional about your job then they won't take you seriously.
Becoming a friend with students is risky, then the student expects you to give them certain advantages. Being an Instructor means you are there to support them academically, not personally. Some students want to tell you all about their personal lives and the problems they are having. If this happens the instructor needs to listen, and then refer them to the student resources.
Hi Kristi,
I concur! Professional distance is everything in a student/teacher relationship. The instructor should display actions and speak words so that that he/she is always regarded with great respect.
Patricia
Hi William,
What a professional act on your part! You get it what it means to be a professional. I can tell you lead by example, and you practice what you preach! Continue to be a great role model for your students.
Patricia
Hi Bronwen,
That's right! Once students lose respect for you, it is also hard to regain their respect. Start off right on day 1 and lead by example, by being a true professional.
Patricia
Hi Keith,
Students need professionals to look up to so that they can get an idea as to how to behave in the workplace.
Patricia
