Case
Teacher Being Too Friendly with Students

There is a 5th grade teacher at my school that has become very friendly with two of her students. She sits with them at lunch, brings them fast food in the mornings, and has even invited them to her son's birthday party. None of that really concerns me (I don't teach that grade), but now the students are acting out to other teachers in the building. For example, they were walking through the hallway (during class time), opened another teacher's classroom door, picked up her classroom phone and said "I'm going to call my mom." No knocking, no asking, no hello to the other teacher. They have also been overheard negatively discussing teachers and the administration with the teacher they are close with. When is enough enough? How can they be reminded that they are the students and we are the teachers? Is it my place to report this teacher to administration?

Posted on: 03/10/15 | Views: 1347
Solution #1
Top Solution
Due to the fact that I do not have any authority over the other teacher, I would discuss the situation with an administrator. I would tell them what is going on in a casual way, and ask them to observe over the next few days to see if they feel as though it is inappropriate as well. If you are uncomfortable with this, you might encourage the teachers who are having the issues with the two students to step forward and say something. Even though the behavior is obviously inappropriate, by giving the administrator the opportunity to handle it instead of confronting the teacher yourself, it can keep workplace drama/politics from becoming an issue. Typically, administrators are so busy that they do not see what we see throughout the day. By making them aware of the situation, they will be able to look for it and make the decision that they feel is best.
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Solution #2
I would begin by expressing my concerns to the teacher. I would remind him/her that they are to maintain a professional relationship with the students (they are the teacher not best friend). I am not saying they have to quit being nice to them, but this has caused a disruption in the school. If the teacher fails to comply with your concerns, I would then contact the principal and parents of the students. I would clearly explain to both what it going on outside of that teacher's classroom first, and then discuss the reasons you feel it is happening (what the teacher is doing in their room).
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Solution #3
I definitely think this is something that should be addressed. With both the teacher and the students. With the teacher, you might mention in them and encourage them to help address the disrespect that is happening with these students. If the problem is not resolved, I would recommend taking it to a mentor teacher or an Assistant Principal. I always believe it is best to deal with things person to person before going above them. That is unless something is happening that can harm the students or the teacher. Then immediately report it to administration. I think that these students should be addressed when their disrespect is occurring most definitely. We are responsible for raising up these boys and girls and teaching them how to respect authority, their peers, and themselves. The first time, address it in a way that is loving but direct. If it occurs again, then a more stern approach should probably be taken - or they should be directed to the administration.
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Solution #4
It seems as they see her teacher more as a friend, which is not always a bad thing. But students have to know there are still guidelines that they need to follow. I would have a conversation with her first, and if that does not work I would bring it up to administration.
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Solution #5
I would bring my concerns to the teacher and if they didn't see anything wrong and continued with the behavior I would bring my thoughts to administration to be further investigated.
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