"And none for Gretchen Weiners!" by Genaveve

"And none for Gretchen Weiners!" by Genaveve - January 2015 Scholarship Essay

Picture this - a classroom filled with a diverse population of students all seated in rows. The most attentive sit in the front, with pencils poised above their notebooks expectantly as they hang onto the teacher's every word. The middle seats are filled with students who care about their grades, but don't want to be labeled as dorks...and God forbid, they don't want to be called on unexpectedly. The back rows are speckled with the students who are there only because they have to be. Their phones light up with messages, they lazily doodle, a few take naps while the teacher drones on. The teacher is very aware of the seating situation, and because of this, they call on students who are least likely to be paying attention. When it's obvious a student doesn't know the answer, the others laugh while the teacher does nothing to stop them.

My advice to a teacher can be summed up in one sentence - don't alienate your students. It's easy to develop favoritism with those who are engaged in the learning process. After all, who wouldn't like someone who obviously cares about what you are saying? Still, showing favoritism is unprofessional, and beyond that, the students who aren't in the loving glow of your favor can feel neglected or stupid if they need to approach you for extra help.

I grew up in a military household, and because of that, I went through a variety of schooling experiences. No matter the location of the school, I found that the best teachers were those who related to their students while still maintaining a professional boundary. Having a teacher for a friend/mentor can be great, but in the end, I would prefer someone who teaches fairly, regardless of how well we know each other. Perhaps there are students who are hard to handle, whether it be their attitude, disrespect for authority, or general sassiness, but they should not be treated as lesser people. Unless they are a threat, "problem students" have every right to be granted the same education as any other student in the classroom. Publicly humiliating students only serves to push them further away from finishing their education.

You often never know the impact you have on your students. Your words and actions are being imprinted upon them each time they enter your classroom. If you ask me a question and I don't know the answer, help guide me in the proper direction. Please don't automatically give me the answer, rather, provide me the tools and the time needed to find the answer on my own or with the help of my classmates. I understand that every student learns in different ways, but if you provide a safe and judgement-free atmosphere then each student will have the chance to figure out what works for them. Don't let there be 'Glen Cocos' and 'Gretchen Weiners' in your classroom, rather, let every student be equal in your eyes. Though success is never guaranteed, a friendly learning environment will definitely improve the chance of your students continuing their education long after they pass through your doors.