notices positive things in their lives outside of the classroom. As a result students will be more open with the teacher and will develop a sense of trust.

Two compliments per week

An important goal that every teacher should have is to give every student at least two specific compliments per week. These should not be empty comments such as good job or way to go, but instead should be specific to something that the student is doing successfully. For young students it can be as simple as saying, "I like how you write your name on your paper." For a high school student it can be, "I like how this paragraph uses three transitions." It is easy to give the gifted students an abundance of praise and a struggling student only criticism. This unfair use of praise often fosters a classroom that lacks respect. Students want everyone to be treated fairly.

Discipline fairly

Students are often bothered by perceived discipline problems. Teachers often make the mistake of giving out too many warnings. As a result, the well-behaved students resent that these students are never given consequences and the misbehaving students will escalate behavior because the teacher is inconsistent. Keep to the rule of one warning and one consequence. If behavior is too excessive, no warning is needed. Students have respect for teachers that are consistent with discipline.

Be there before and after school

Students who make the effort to come in before or after school to receive extra help, will often be more successful in school. Make sure to be available to the students during these time periods and use these times to talk to the students in a caring way. These one-on-one discussions often create a bond between the teacher and the student.

Listen intently

When a student is talking, make the student feel as though he or she is the only one in the room. Give the student good eye contact, walk closer to where the student is sitting, nod and avoid the urge to interrupt. All too often students complain that teachers just don't listen. Let the student feel that it is worth the time to listen.

Remain calm

It is easy when a student is pushing the buttons of a teacher to allow the emotions to build on the inside and then to become angry with a student. Remember to breather, wait to make a comment. It is acceptable to tell the student that you want to think it over. Try not to deal with the student when emotions are running high. A good response is, "See me after class." It gives the teacher and the student a chance to cool off from the situation. When a teacher loses control, students lose respect. As well, when students escalate a disagreement, the teacher loses respect for the student too.

Mutual respect begins with the teacher. There no doubt will be times when it feels to the teacher that the respect is not mutual. Remember to be patient and allow the culture of mutual respect to build and grow over time. If a mistake is made by the teacher of students, it isn't the end of the possibility for this quality relationship in the classroom. It takes time and effort to develop this ideal communal attitude.

Learn more about this author, MJ Suttor.
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