Chapter 9: When Things Go Wrong

Students’ advice to teachers is, “don’t judge your success by whether students like you.” They claim that being a popular teacher isn’t what matters: what matters is doing your job well. As time goes on, if students see that you’re a good an effective teacher, they will learn to respect you, which is better than liking you.
I think it’s important for teachers to understand that they don’t need to be everyone’s best friend. If practicum has taught me anything thus far, it’s that not being scared and being strong gains you more respect than being nice and friendly. My first day with my junior class I got called “fresh meat” by one male student. My mentor forced him to apologize and even though I was very taken aback, I didn’t let him see it shook me up. Now, when I come in the room, he says, “Good afternoon Miss. Ferry, how are you?” Being liked isn’t half as important as being respected.