At Greenbrier High of Augusta, Georgia, there are three
teachers that most students learn to highly respect once an alumnus: Ms.
Lowery, Mr. Cummings, and Ms. Jackson. These teachers were the most talked
about, the kindest, the silliest, the most approachable, the most understanding,
and some of the most influential educators I know. There’s something about
these three that stood out from the other teachers. Ms. Lowery was quite
intimidating but towards the end, you hoped your writing gives you an A+ just
to make her proud. Mr. Cummings, this Georgia Tech alum, taught some pretty
tough mathematics… but he was such a nice guy, always joking around with us.
And Ms. Jackson, I remember the first day of AP World History with her. She
played with her hair but threatened that if we don’t intend to work hard, it’s
best for us to drop now. I sat in her classroom for fun during lunch everyday
senior year.
In the article "5 Tips for Better Relationships With Your Students," Dave Foley helps uncover the difference between the most influential
teachers from the ones that go unremembered.
“Should teaching be a popularity contest? Probably not. But
skilled educators know the value of having good relationships with students.
Establishing goodwill can help minimize classroom disruptions, improve student
engagement, and reduce stress for everyone.”
Foley recognizes the two-way benefit when a good mutual
relationship is developed between teacher and student. I not only felt very
comfortable walking into their classrooms at all times or sharing bits and
pieces of my personal life that influenced my day, these 3 teachers taught me so
much. I tried especially hard in their classes. These classes were engaging
because I knew these teachers wanted me to succeed! They believed in me and I
felt this through their trust, their understanding, and the amount of respect
they showed me as their student. I think there are many ways to help a student
but this relationship is what helps push students to their maximum potential.
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Thanks for the thoughtful blog, Claire! Teacher likability....a tricky topic. Based on my experience and observations, the most popular teachers were also the best teachers. You know why? Cause students aren't stupid. They know when a teacher isn't doing their job well, even if they "like" that him/her as a person. They like the teachers who demonstrate their commitment to their students through their words, actions, and lessons. Seriously, I can't think of a single teacher widely "hated" by students who didn't more or less deserve it. I'm sure it happens, but I suspect it's the exception, not the rule.
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