9th graders
Update: Fifteen states are looking into tightening the loopholesthat have allowed teachers with histories of sexual misconduct stay in the classroom.
At (almost) 25, I'm young enough to look 16, but old enough to take that as a compliment. I am also old enough to realize how disturbingly easy it is for a young educator to get into a relationship with a student.
Just an hour ago, I walked into a 9th grade classroom to observe the teacher. Class was about to end (I was there for the next period) and kids were milling around. I took the opportunity to ask the students what they had just learned that class period. I'm sitting there, talking to a small group when a boy, fresh-faced, too-cool, with a slight mustache, came over and threw his arm around my shoulders.
"Hey there."
"Hello." I lean away, trying to slide his arm off. Maybe he is just trying to be friendly. I'm wearing pumps, have a visitor's sticker and my laptop is out.
"Do you have a boyfriend?"
"Yes." My face heats up. He obviously doesn't recognize my authoritative look. "I work with your teacher. I'm here to observe her teaching."
"Oh yeah?" He grins slyly. "Too bad. You're real pretty." Apparently my authoritative role didn't matter.
This certainly wasn't the first time a student has tried to hit on me. Clearly I have the ethics and self-control to not be lured by this 15-year-old. It was just a reminder how we are the adults, no matter how young we look.
Comments
Your 9th grader obviously knew you were not another student. His behavior was very inappropriate. How serious do you view his transgression? Do you think he should be re-educated on how to treat a visitor? You looking young and pretty is simply irrelevant.
Posted by: michael shestko | January 25, 2008 2:39 PM
I'd agree that the 9th grader was acting inappropriately and knew it.
I also agree that it is frightening how mature high school student can appear to be, making them seem peer-like to young teachers.
Posted by: Amy Strecker | January 25, 2008 2:52 PM
Why wasn't corrective action taken on the spot? It should have been done immediately so the student(s) understand their role as a student and the role of a teacher (adult).
Posted by: Anonymous | January 31, 2008 9:20 AM
Did he try to do anything else.
Posted by: colton | February 1, 2008 4:37 PM
No, it is not disturbingly easy if you consider yourself a professional. Please do not offer excuses for those who do not know the limits.
Posted by: anonymous | February 7, 2008 4:33 PM