Karen Lawall

I also feel badly when a student of mine fails. I not only feel like I let the student down but I feel as if I let myself down. Even though I know I go out of my way, above and beyond to do whatever I can to help the student succeed, I still take it personally. This is one of my own faults, (self-esteem), something I know I need to work on. I need to let students be responsible for their own failures as well as their own successes.

I agree. I can certainly talk to many of my students and chat with them on a conversational level, but I have not taken up any offers to go anywhere off campus with a student. Even something that seems as simple and innocent as befriending another parent and getting together with your children could be msiconstrued by other students and could affect your personal professional judgement in the long run. I've often become friends with students after they have graduated and gone into the workforce but not while they were my students. Another thing here to add--most people have enough… >>>

Our school has already has a policy for students to call or contact the school or intructor if they are going to be absent. If the student misses without making contact, there is no excuse for making up a test or assignment and it becomes a zero. I make this clear the first day because if students are absent and they do not contact us or the school, it is our responsibility as the instructor to contact the student to find out why they missed. Since I strongly disagree with taking the responsibility away from the student, I make it clear… >>>

I teach in a public school at grade level 7-12 during the day and at night to non-traditional students who are usually not of your typical college age. I do teach much of the same content at both levels,  but at different levels of thinking and application. It is sometimes difficult to do a switch or remember what mode I am in when I am teaching and what expectations I am setting forth. Not that I should be expected to babysit during my day job, but I do feel very much like I am a daytime babysitter compared to how well… >>>