Buddy or Boss?

Post submitted by Naomi Thiers, Associate Editor of Educational Leadership.

"So what is the relationship balance in a classroom? Where is that exact point at which students feel cared for . . . but know that they must respect the teacher and they are expected to learn?"

In "The Relationship Balance" in the June 2010 online issue of Educational Leadership, Cindi Rigsbee (author of Finding Mrs. Warnecke) tackles this delicate issue.

Teachers hear about the importance of building relationships with students almost every time the phrase "effective teaching" is uttered. But how do we keep those relationships in the right spirit—friendly enough to be real, but sober enough that students know we expect mature behavior and serious work in the bargain? 

Rigsbee shares stories of times she has seen teachers, herself included, stray too far on either the friend or the iron-fist end of the continuum. Communicating respect—for students, their time, and even the content we're teaching—so that we can present learning as a gift rather than an obligation is at the heart of the strategies Rigsbee recommends. 

So, how do you keep the balance right?