“The Importance of Faculty Interest in Students”
Article by Kiahnn’ Jackson
Description:
All kids need an adult in their school they can go to for support and answers. Students see their school faculty more than their parents. If children cannot talk to their teachers because they are not willing to listen, and they can’t talk to their parents because they aren’t home or they’re dealing with other siblings, then whom can they talk to? Who can they ask about their life questions or release their anger to before it overwhelms them. Besides teaching, teachers are trained to counsel youth and cater to their academic and mental needs. School staff members need to step up and take the responsibility of youth mentors as well as excellent teachers.
HOW IT HELPS STUDENTS. By mentoring students teachers demonstrate their responsibility to commitment. Students will respect and listen to their administrators, is if these individuals respect and listen to them. Students require the face-to-face communication with adults to fully grasp what they are learning. If a child does not understand the subject the teacher needs to recognize this and help the student then or after school. Teachers must not ignore a kid, especially when they see them struggling. When a child does not receive the academic help they need their grades decrease, which in turns lowers that child’s self esteem. Faculty members are obliged display commitment in all aspects of their work. When students see a good example set by their administrators they will be committed because it is the established norm.
School faculty should take a personal interest in their students’ lives. Besides the child’s grades, teachers need to be interested in the rest of that kid’s life. Whatever is happening at home will affect the child’s school life. If a staff member notices that student is unusually sad or depressed they need to talk to them about whatever is going on. Teachers need to greet their students at the door and ask how their day has been going. It can really brighten a kid’s day just to hear their superiors complementing them. Students realize that teachers get paid to teach not mentor, so when a teacher takes the time to talk to a student they know they are actually being listened to by someone who cares. Kids need people they can vent to that will give them useful answers and who will not punish them.
HOW IT HELPS THE ADMINISTRATORS. When staff members mentor it helps them, too. They learn teaching skills and how to socialize with children. They get respect from that certain student, which intern can get respect from other students.
FACTORS OF A GOOD MENTOR. The main attribute of a mentor is trustworthiness. If the child does not believe their mentor will keep their conversation confidential, the student will lie, not say anything at all, or be rebellious. If any of these three things happen the kid will never get help, and how is the staff to know when the parents should be advised? The second attribute is to be a good listener. The adult is there to listen first, and then give input. A mentor cannot be someone who always has to get the last word.
So it is my theory that when teachers realize and fulfill their duties as mentors for their students, the school’s climate will get better.
Funding for Academic Year: 2004