http://www.podfeed.net/episode/Building+Positive+Relationships+with+Your+Students/2174598
I found this podcast and thought it was so important for middle school teachers. I think in middle schools we have so many problems motivating students and this podcast talks about how to building positive relationships with students. This helps with discipline problems so much. This goes with TWB where it says the school environment is inviting, safe, inclusive, and supportive of all.
The podcast says that teachers must establish "law and order" and tell the students what is expected of them and that they will be respected as you expect to be respected. They say students are motivated where there is an environment where students feel confortable. Many teachers say that their job is not to be the students' friends but that does not mean you cannot be friendly. We must be good role models and give good guidance and at times you have to watch MTV and BET just so you can have things to help your students feel confortable with you. Middle level teachers must be very flexible and do what works for your students
Everything you mentioned is vital for a productive school year. Students, regardless of age, have to know their parameters in the classroom, hallway, wherever. In today's school situation, teachers must establish guidelines (students can help develop the rules).One can always loosen the reigns as the year progresses; it's hard to buckle down later on into the year.
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