Teachers Are Role Models

I am a teacher and have absolutely no problem at all accepting the fact that I am a role model. I have worked with junior high, high school, and college students. While teaching high school students, I notice they are excited about life, but some are unenthusiastic about school. For teenagers, friends are essential. One has to talk a certain way, listen to the “right” music, and in some cases, be a rebel. Of course, not all students think this way, thank goodness; however, in general this is the case.

Listening to students, they are in school for one of two reasons: they want to be there or they have been told they better be there. Because of this, teachers have the golden opportunity that no other professionals have to shape the future. Modeling is something instructors from pre-school through university can do to give students a more positive outlook on life. English (writing and literature) is the subject matter I teach, but in the process I am teaching manners, consistency, integrity, and so many other qualities that I am not even aware are getting through to the students.

In short, I am establishing the importance and significance teachers have in students’ lives. Teachers are counselors and can even be friends. Students feel safe asking teachers about something they would like knowing more about, and trust the educator will have a helpful response. Some students can easily talk with a teacher when they are afraid to share their pain or concern with a parent or other adult.

In an episode of 21 Jump Street, (see previous post) a high school girl confided in a male teacher. She felt so safe and close to him that she was comfortable going to his home for help with homework. In a sense, she discovered a new friend and personal tutor.

Unfortunately, the teacher took advantage of the young girl and started having sexual relations with her. While watching this episode, I did not want to blame the girl. She was easily swayed by an adult, not just any adult, but a teacher. Someone she was probably taught to admire, trust, and respect.

The 21 Jump Street writers did not set the story up in the same way as I because when viewers are brought into this story, the young girl is already pregnant and absolutely terrified. The Jump Street police officers were not able to get the teen girl to open up. They persistently asked questions, investigated, and pleaded until they discovered other girls who had experienced the same abuse from the same teacher. The trusted adult, who chose to work with young people, deceived and disrespected them.

This story was difficult to watch because of the statutory rape and realism. The teenage girl’s fear kept her withdrawn and literally scared. She probably never trusted another teacher after that. Or sadly, she probably never trusted another human being again.

Teachers should use their position to educate, instill positive attitudes, and encourage students to be the best they can be. It is unfortunate when some teachers use their position to take advantage of young people who are forming opinions about life, trying to figure out who they are, and discovering what goals they want to accomplish. Teachers are role models. (Yesterday I shared that 21 Jump Street was an issue-oriented and ground-breaking television series. Today’s post is an example of those traits.)