Because it is something sensitive like this, I would let administration know what is happening before taking action. I would make anecdotal notes of the incidences and write a record for a time where you could sit down and tell the student that his actions are not appropriate and that he needs to cease before he receives consequences.

After discussing it with administration, I would set up a conference with the student and another teacher or administrator to explain why this is inappropriate. This needs to be handled whether he is 5 or 18 because it is inappropriate. I would not sit down with the student one-on-one, though, to protect yourself. If it continues to be an issue then administration needs to step in. Perhaps you can reach a solution with the student before it gets to this point, though.

Hi uJuPyS, I agree with Cortnie's suggestions of talking to administration, making anecdotal notes of the incidences, and establishing a time where you can conference with the student. It is very important to document this type of thing so that, if something were to happen, you have yourself and your school protected. I also agree that when you conference with the student you need to have someone else present. You should not be by yourself with the student. Perhaps the student will understand the seriousness of the situation when he sees an administrator present. Another suggestion is perhaps you could teach a social/emotional lesson about why it is bad to spread untrue rumors about others. Melissa

How old is the student? If elementary, the student may be naive and not know any better...still, it shouldn't be ignored. Contact administration or a counselor to help explain to the student why this is not acceptable. If high school, Contact administration before talking directly with the student. The student may take the chance to all but deny it, or make up a story (if he's telling students this already). Try to schedule a conference with yourself and other admin along with the student to explain the situation. You may also want to contact the student's parents. This sounds like a 0-tolerance situation. It should not be handled lightly, or simply between the student and teacher.

Try talking to the student and explaining it is not appropriate. Do not be insulting, such as starting by saying, "I'm flattered," but explain it is not okay for him to say that in school. Document this occurrence and history in case the student gets angry and decides to tell administration or other actions.

In this situation I feel like it may be an underlining emotional issue. The student could be seeing things or hearing things from home, T.V. or around the school which make the student think having a girlfriend is cool and by calling the teacher their girlfriend they are cool. I think the behavior is inappropriate however, depending on the age I think it is understandable. Like others have said I think it is important to keep notes on what is going on in the classroom and how many times you speak with the student on their inappropriate behavior. I also think it is a great idea to speak with administration as well as other teachers so that you are not alone in this. There is nothing more damaging to a teacher's reputation than to withhold information. In addition I believe it is important to speak with the parents or guardians of the student so that they are not blind sighted by the actions of their students in school and if they hear anything they will not jump to conclusions. Holding a conference with the parents or guardians along with administration is a good idea.

I completely agree with the first comment about letting the administration know. You do not want this to be taken the wrong way. I would also schedule a conference with the student and someone in administration. I would ask the student about these comments and explain to him why this is serious and needs to stop.

I can relate to this. My second grader told me I looked like a superhero and than had a crush on me telling me thought I was "hot". At first, I ignored the comment because I did not want to make a big deal about it and have the student embarrassed. I also wanted to show the student that I was not going to respond but when he did it the second time, I just pulled him to the side and talked to him. I asked him to please stop with the comments as I am his teacher (adult) and that it is inappropriate. I would speak to this student and let him know that you are NOT his girlfriend and instead you are his teacher. And that he needs to stop with making that comment or he will be sent to the office.

If the student vocalizes this in front of you, I would immediately step in verbally and restrict this student from saying inappropriate comments like this whether or not they see it as a joke. This is a very dangerous situation considering these rumors could worsen or become a legal problem. I would team up with someone in administration to address the issue so you are never alone with the student, for further protection over yourself.

You should sit down and have a talk with him. Tell him that this kind of talk and behavior is unacceptable and must stop now.

If you talk with the student about stopping their behavior, but it persists, then this matter should be brought up to the student's parents as well as a higher power in the office. This should hopefully take care of the problem.

Talk to the boy, he probably needs some attention and this is his way of asking for it.