Throughout our lives many people play a role in shaping us into who we become. Teachers play a vital role in our growth and development. Not only do they teach from text books, but from experience and from the heart. A good teacher is concerned with a student's academic achievement as well as their attainment of personal goals, ambitions and self esteem. With the guidance, encouragement and support of such a teacher, a student develops an insatiable thirst for knowledge and is motivated to excel to their full potential. These positive influences in our lives should be shown respect and admiration. Focusing on negative things seems to come easy, but when it comes to expressing our true feelings and admiration we are often unsure of how to go about it. Words aren't always needed as your actions and behavior can speak volumes.
My high school English teacher was a no nonsense, tough as nails guy. Not adhering to the strict rules governing his classroom would result in drastic consequences. Those wanting to learn were provided the perfect environment and those who had another agenda were simply banned from the room until further notice. Gaining re-entry into the classroom required a convincing argument that you really did want to learn what he was teaching. In dark contrast to his gruff exterior he really did have a soft heart and caring nature. His expectations were only that everything was done to the best of your ability. I referred to him as the grizzly bear with the teddy bear stuffing and I had nothing but respect and admiration for him.
The word respect was never used during our conversations, but I showed it in many ways. When addressing him, the title "sir" was used. Growing up I was taught it was a respectful term for those in authority. When he was speaking I gave him my undivided attention. He was always on time for class so I made sure I was too. He never made me wait for class to start so it would have been disrespectful for him to delay the start of class on account of my tardiness. Homework and assignments were handed in on time. A deadline is a deadline, no excuses. I'm sure there were times he didn't feel like putting together lesson plans, grading papers or marking tests, but it was his responsibility. Out of respect for him, my responsibility was to complete the work he had taken the time to prepare. Trust me, other teachers got every excuse in the book. Probably the most obvious way I showed my respect and admiration was our Friday afternoon lunches. It became a ritual all through high school. The last lunch of the week wasn't spent in the teacher's lounge. He and I and whomever else wished to join us would meet in his classroom to indulge in an egg salad sandwich and some conversation. I could discuss anything with him and he would offer input and guidance.
You see, showing respect and admiration doesn't come with a set list of guidelines. Each individual develops their own way of expressing such emotions. Some may feel comfortable coming right out and telling the teacher of their admiration while others may go about it a little more subtly. There is no right or wrong way to show respect. When an effort is made to show it, a teacher will pick up on it. Simple actions and behavior such as being on time for class, completing all assignments to the best of your ability, listening attentively while in class and participating in classroom discussions will all be seen as respectful by a teacher. Offering some assistance in completing those classroom chores such as cleaning blackboards, returning audio/visual equipment to the proper room, photocopying papers for the next day's lesson aren't a form of sucking up to the teacher. They convey the message, I know you've had a long day and deserve to go home like the rest of us, not spend another two hours preparing for tomorrow. The opportunity to disclose your respect and admiration may even surface years after the fact. That special teacher who pushed you to follow your dreams might get a mention in your first book to be published.
A lot of teachers feel they automatically deserve respect. These are usually the ones who get the least of it. Some degree of respect should be present as an older, authority figure, but to receive true, genuine respect you have to be worthy of it. Students will respond to positive reinforcement, development of self esteem and a compassionate role model. Treating students with respect and courtesy will result in the reciprocation of these feelings. A teacher who yells and criticises throughout class will be received with nothing but bitterness. Molding and shaping young minds needs to be done with compassion and understanding, not instilling fear and anxiety. Setting a respectful example is the best way to be received the same way.
Showing respect and admiration for a teacher doesn't have to be done verbally. Your conduct and attitude can relay the message loud and clear. When the respect is there it will come shining through.