Teacher-student interactions happen everyday in classrooms, hallways and cafeterias.  While these may seem like unimportant normal occurrences,  students may view this in another light.

A common occurrence in the classroom is anxiety over approaching and talking to a teacher.  This stems from viewing a teacher as unapproachable authority figure rather than a human being.  Students who suffer from anxiety need to conquer this fear in particular because of the damage it can cause to their academics.  It can hinder their ability to participate in class as well as their overall grade performance.

Teachers are role models whose job it is to guide and teach students.  If a student views their teacher as unapproachable due to anxiety, then they are not reaping the benefits of their education.  A student should not view their teacher as a God-like wrathful figure there to punish them.  A student should look up to their teacher in a way where they can ask for help when needed and learn to the best of their ability.

Teachers are human beings as well.  They have lives outside of the classroom.  They make mistakes.  They have hobbies and interests.  They have favorite books and movies.  Teachers are much more than what they present in a classroom and therefore should be treated with respect as other human being should.

In the same respect, teachers should not be put on a pedestal either.  Students can also make the mistake of idolizing their teachers more than they should.  Teachers are pretty impressive and they should be appreciated but to an extant.  They can mistakes and are not always perfect.  Once a student starts idolizing a teacher, they lose a certain realistic connection.  This can be harmful to both parties.  There needs to a balance in student-teacher relationships where both parties are treated with respect as to maximize the learning experience.

It is unrealistic to assume that teachers and students won’t form a bond over the course of a school year.  Teacher are not just there to do their job and leave.  Some teachers become invested in their students and their success.  This bond between a student and a teacher is one that can be extremely important to a student’s educational career.  This relationship should not reach either extreme of villainizing nor glorifying a teacher on the students part.