by Marijane Suttor

Created on: July 04, 2009   Last Updated: September 01, 2010

Developing a culture of mutual respect in the classroom between a teacher and students would sound like an easy accomplishment, but it is a complicated goal that can take time to fully realize. The first step may begin on day one, butb culture is developed over time. It must constantly be nurtured and re-assessed because the culture of the classroom changes with different personalities and events.

To foster a culture of mutual respect, there are several specific steps that a teacher should undertake.

Be prepared for class

It may seem like a step that is taken for granted, but classroom preparation is essential to earning respect both as a teacher and as a student. Teachers lose credibility if they expect students to have assignments done on time while the teacher is not prepared for class.

Have a clear routine

Students respect routine. It doesn't mean that there can't be creative activities, but it does mean that the teacher has a set organization to the class. Each day when the students come to class they can expect the teacher to be consistent with routines such as attendance, places to turn in papers, handing back papers and missing work. If the teacher is not consistent in these routines, students begin to lose respect.

Have a great start

First impressions matter to students just as they do in a job interview. If a teacher views the students as customers who are buying a product, the attitude is one that treats the student as valuable to the business of teaching. It is important on the first day of class to plan an activity that allows the students to gain knowledge of each other as well as the teacher. Greet the students at the door and welcome them to class.

Call the students by name

Everyone likes it when people use their first names when talking to them. Students are no different. When seeing a student in the hallway don't just say "Good morning!" say "Good Morning, Paul!". By just adding a students name when talking to them, it sends the message to the student that the teacher cares enough to know his or her name.

Follow the students' activities

Teachers would like to think that the academics are the most important thing in the lives of students. The truth is that students often value activities such as sports, music or after school jobs more than academics. Make a comment to a student about points scored in a ball game or that you were impressed with their hard work at the grocery store. Students like to see when the teacher notices positive things

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