When students become too comfortable with you then they do not see you as an authority figure. They take advantage of this and do not respect your authority.
Professionalism is respected. I've seen so many times an instructor trying to be "friends" with their students. This is never a successful approach.
I feel that my students are paying for an education and that they need the resources and ability of a professional not a friend. I like to maintain a friendly atmosphere in my classroom but I strive to maintain a professional distance from my students presonal lives. They deseerve my best effort to engage them in the subject material and prepare them for their future careers.
It shows respect for the field you are in. You must keep boundary lines in a classroom -just as you would in the work force. Good conditioning for the students as well.
Its keep the line in place between student and Instructor
It sets the stage for a professional learning environment. No matter the age of the instructor, students in career colleges are looking for guidance, and seeking a change for the better.
Becoming buddies with any of the students would male the instructor vulnerable to accusations of favoritism. I don't want to got there, so I'm friendly, but not TOO friendly.
Professionalism is expected of the students outside the classroom therefore, it begins with the Instructor acting accordingly. I always behave, dress, and speak in a professional manner because I know many of my students look to me as a role model.
It's very important that on the first day of class you establish your image of an experienced professional expert. Even if it's the first class you've ever taught, you've completed your training, past the exams, become certified...you are an expert. The students are just beginning. My job is to help the students get to where they want to get to. I need to be their instructor not their buddy.
Hi Eugene,
That's right! The instructor SHOULD definitely lead by example.
Patricia Scales
Hi Lauren,
I agree! I can tell you live up to your role as an educator. Boundaries must be established in a student/instructor relationship, otherwise things become way too personal.
Patricia Scales
Hi Billy,
We must prepare our students as to how realistic things are in the real world.
Patricia Scales
I do feel that if a student becomes too comfortable with you, they feel as if they can now relax about their responsibilities to the class.
You never want to compromise the main objective of both roles of student and teacher. The highest level of professionalism is required to properly fulfill the responsibilities and duties of an educator without reproach.
I just think that this is common sense. I want all my students to look at me and respect me as a teacher not as a friend. I have had students asked me to give them a ride when they don’t have a car and every time I have to decline because that is not something a teacher would do. I also have had students ask me for my facebook name so they can add me and I just tell them my facebook is private. It’s so important that teachers stay in the teaching roll and not be seen as a friend if so morality and ethics become involved.
It helps train them for how the real world works. Your boss isn't going to be your friend, and the same goes for your instructor.
Hi Jenny,
I love your attitude! You are so on point! I can tell you lead by example. Keep up the good work!
Patricia Scales
Hi Lilia,
That's right! Students do not need another friend. They need a role model; someone they can look up to.
Patricia Scales
Hi Ken,
We should be role models for our students in all areas! Students will respect you if you carry yourself with professionalism.
Patricia Scales
When teaching in a career college you are not only teaching a skill but you are also teaching professionalism. This would be very difficult to do if the instructor does not maintain professionalism themself.
