There are specific
things you can do as a classroom teacher to gain respect
from your students, your colleagues, your community,
and yourself. Respect cannot be assumed, expected or
demanded.
Know Yourself
Before others can respect you, you must respect yourself. It helps if
you are happy with who you are and comfortable with yourself and
how you do things.
Know Your Content You should
be an expert in what you are teaching others. Make sure
you have done your homework and that you have strong, current
knowledge.
Know Your Students
Know your students' names and take time to find out who they are as individuals.
Know their strengths and needs. Know their interests. Know about characteristics
of their age group.
Know How to Teach
Your Content to Your
Students
Know of activities and techniques which are developmentally appropriate
for your students. Keep an open channel of communication for constant
feedback from your students about all of their experiences with you and
your class activities.
Be Positive and
Consistent Let your students know that they can and will be successful.
Tell them exactly what you expect of them and what resources
are available to help them. Make sure your students know
that you will always be there to support them in their
learning. Keep the rules for success the same for every
student in your class.
Respect Your Position Be organized and prepared. Make the learning interesting
for your students. Be responsive to their feedback. Enjoy
being a teacher!
