A quick Bing search for “classroom teachers respect” turned up 14.5 million hits and adding “parents” to the query still brings in 10.6 million.
Parents complain that their students aren’t respected. Teachers complain that they aren’t respected by students or parents. There’s a reason why respect is the first trait on the Honorable Character Chart – it serves as a foundtion for everything else. Can you really be honest with someone you don’t respect? Or show them kindness?
Lack of respect isn’t just in the classroom; there tends to be a lack of consideration for others everywhere (cell phone usage in puclic places!). Perhaps there are a few areas where respect is still present:
1) In front of the flag – I noticed this during the National Anthem at a ball game and then again when I walked by a roomful of students pledging allegiance.
2) In emergency situations – We are still required to slow down and veer to the right when the sound of sirens fills our ears. This serves as an almost-daily reminder that someone’s life/death situation is more important than our rush to the office/soccergame/PTAmeeting.
3) Where else do you see it?
A previous comment from Larry is an indication of our society’s need for respect. In today’s world we equate agreement with respect. If we don’t agree with a persons view we feel justified in showing disrespect. We are told to respect the position even though we may not respect the person. I suggest that everyone has value regardless of position or opinion. If we choose to respect position over person we develop an attitude of disdain. Our young students will surely pick up on that and adopt it into their own value system. Respect must be modeled and encouraged.