A teacher quickly learns
that students have a sixth sense which tells them whether
adults really care about and respect them. If a teacher
does not communicate respect, he/she will not receive
respect. One must adhere to several "Golden Rules."
KNOW THYSELF
Be aware
of your own beliefs and attitudes.
Be aware
of your body language and what it communicates.
Identify
your buttons and limits.
Understand
your needs; leave your "baggage" at
the door.
ESTABLISH TRUST
Get to
know your students.
Communicate
genuine caring and interest.
Be consistent
and fair.
BE A POSITIVE
ROLE MODEL
Be aware that students study
your interactions with colleagues, parents,
and other students.
NEVER EMBARRASS
OR BELITTLE STUDENTS.
REFRAIN
FROM ENGAGING IN A "BATTLE
OF WITS"; LET IT GO.
BE
ACCEPTING OF DIVERSITY.
Be
aware of behaviors that
reflect student culture.
Seek
information relating to
the cultural diversity
of your class.
ADMIT
YOUR MISTAKES.
BE
AN ADVOCATE FOR YOUR STUDENTS.
Make
positive phone calls to
parents.
Communicate
resources for parents.
CATCH
'EM BEING GOOD.
Give
praise often.
Use
vicarious reinforcement
(reinforcing those
students who are
exhibiting a behavior
you want another
to demonstrate),
and motivating creative
rewards.
"DO
UNTO
OTHERS
AS
YOU
WOULD
HAVE
THEM
DO
UNTO
YOU."
