School can be a hectic place. Many personalities, and opinions flying around. With all that being thrown around, the number of disrespectful acts directed at students has increased since COVID-19. Respect for one another should be mutual between teachers and students. 

As students, we are expected to treat adults with complete respect, regardless of what the situation may be. But when we challenge that idea, we are viewed as rude and obnoxious.

Have you noticed that the kids that get in trouble the most have a good relationship with the majority of security and counseling? That’s because they take the time to understand why they react so harshly; they talk to them and encourage them to do better. 

Sometimes, the disrespect that is directed to teachers is not unwarranted. We are human and will react as so. Just as teachers are allowed to have space to express themselves, we should have that same space as well. 

Yes, at times we can act ignorant and mean, we are growing into ourselves, and figuring out our personalities. Expecting us to sit back and take any type of disrespect is not how we teach kids to grow into functional adults. 

I experienced an incident with a teacher, where we went back and forth. The incident could’ve been completely avoided, if we both kept a level head there would’ve been no tension. 

But in this situation I am the child, and they are the adult. The teacher should have found a way to effectively get their point out, without making the situation worse. I am in no way making excuses for myself, but I shouldn’t have been expected to be the bigger person. I am growing into myself, and figuring out how to navigate through the world. Whereas, this teacher has many years of teaching and living ahead of me. 

Many people have had great interactions with this teacher. It might’ve been a bad time for this teacher. I know teachers are going to experience different emotions, I just want them to be able to acknowledge their emotions in order to create a functional and safe learning environment.

I am not looking to dismiss teachers’ feelings. Just as I expect students to get some form of respect, I believe teachers should receive that as well. The two groups both need to work together to get to a place where we know how to effectively express our feelings without hurting each other in the process. 

During the monthly staff meetings, I propose there should be a portion dedicated to how to effectively teach kids in this day and age. How to leave behind the attitude you would use in your regular life. This step would make the school environment a lot more enjoyable, and less tense, for all parties.