Gaining Students’ Respect

A key to success in the classroom is to gain and hold your students’ respect. Here are some ways you can do this.

  • Know your subject matter. If you don’t, your students will rightfully question if they can learn anything from you. A thorough knowledge and command of your subject matter will instill a sense of confidence in your students that they have much to gain from you.
  • Genuinely care about your students. Make it clear that you want them to not only succeed in your class, but in other classes as well. Establish an environment in which your students feel comfortable talking to you about any school difficulties they may experience.
  • Be in control. Classrooms are not a democracy. There must be a leader, and it must be you. Don’t be overbearing, but make it clear that it is your classroom.
  • Be a positive role model. There is more to teaching than just instruction. Your students look to you as a model for how to interact with others and respond to situations.
  • Don’t get too closely involved. It is not your place to be a friend to your students. They have peers for that. Nor is it your place to be their parent. Try to be supportive without being deeply emotionally involved.