Expectations

The word "respect" in English has several definitions, according to its Merriam-Webster dictionary entry, but the definition that I am most interested in is this one: "to consider worthy of high regard." That being said, when asked to respect someone, two different connotations come to mind: the first is to respect someone as a human being, and the second is to respect someone as an authority figure. A lot of times, the lines get crossed between these connotations, and some people carry a policy of "if you do not respect me as an authority figure, I will not respect you as a human being." My greatest wish for my students is that they can respect me as their teacher, an authority figure in their lives, without having the fear that I may not give them their due respect as a fellow person on this earth.

In my classroom, I vow to hold each of my students in highest regard, as I believe they are worthy of it simply by their existence as people. I expect my students to hold the same high regard for me and the rest of their peers. As my dad tells me often, there is soft bigotry in low expectations, and I never want any of my students to get the impression that anyone thinks less of them. I am hoping to establish a place where students feel respected, seen, and heard, so that they are unafraid to be interactive in academic situations, and eager to participate in classroom activities and discussions.

Physics is a subject that is traditionally difficult for a lot of students; as such, it is a class designed for upperclassmen since it requires background knowledge from previous math and science courses. I want to give my upperclassmen the opportunity to responsibly hold themselves accountable any chance that I get.

I am a stickler for the school rules as well, due to the fact that structure and organization are ideals that keep me motivated. I will always remind students of the pillars of the rules listed in the student handbook where and when necessary.