Teacher/Student Relationships

By

Katie Law

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction to Education (EDU 101)

Melanie Felton

October 31, 2002

 

Teacher/Student Relationships

     In the article “Just Imagine the Headlines,” an Illinois math teacher, Jim Siemer, refused to sleep in the same room as three of his male students on a weekend field trip. He felt this was a situation that had the potential to cause him trouble, so after visiting with the other chaperones about his concerns, Siemer decided to stay with one of them at night. He used as a reason for this the fact that teachers are often accused of inappropriate contact with students, and he did not want to be accused of this. But just the opposite happened! Because of his decision, the school disciplined him by placing a disciplinary letter in his file, and handed him a pre-termination notice. His case even went to court. Fortunately, he had the Illinois Education Association on his side, fought back, cleared his name, and won his case.

     Many teachers in elementary schools, high schools, and universities are often accused of inappropriate contact or sexual harassment with their students. The best way to describe an inappropriate teacher/student relationship is by the term sexual harassment. There is no agreement among researchers about the exact definition of sexual harassment. Most definitions imply that it is unwanted behavior, and the behavior is sexual in nature.

     One would think this might be an uncommon incident in a school because of the Code of Ethics by which teachers are supposed to abide. The seventh obligation in the Code of Ethics is: teachers shall not use professional relationships with students for private advantages (Cooper 403). Teachers need to establish an appropriate social distance with their students. This requires a certain amount of energy, alertness, and self-discipline.

     Beginning teachers may find they have difficulty with student behavior. Some teachers may hesitate to lay down the rules and enforce them because they fear the students will not “like” them. They turn instead to trying to “become their friend” and hang out with the students to show they can relate to the younger crowd. Or some teachers just truly enjoy being with the students. Taking advantage of the professional relationships formed with the students both outside of the school and in the school setting is very unhealthy for the students involved, the rest of the students, and the community.

     Relationships with teachers and sexual harassment in the schools can occur in many different ways, ranging from sexually suggestive looks to romantic relationships. Occasionally the victim is male and the perpetrator is female. However, males are usually more dominating and have more power than females in the school setting, thus more times than not, the victim is female and is being abused by a male. The close proximity of teachers and students on a daily basis may be a factor, as well as the amount of time spent together. “This derives, in part, from the legitimated existence that children are compelled by law to attend school” (Skelton). Children have no choice but to go to school everyday regardless of what is happening there.

     It’s occurring more often now than in the past. It is easy for young students especially to become accustomed to teachers’ behavior, trust the teachers completely, and to obey their every word. To take advantage of that is detrimental to everyone involved, especially the students. Older students may find a teacher attractive, or “fun” to be around. One sure way to get fired, as a teacher, is to make sexual advances on any student.

     The article “Sexual Harassment in High School,” summarizes a survey done on current university students about teacher/student relationships when they were in high school. One third of all the students surveyed said that they were aware of a sexual relationship between a teacher and a student, and ten percent said that they had had a sexual relationship with a teacher.

     The only way to stop sexual harassment and teacher/student relationships in school is for the administration and parents to become involved. Any kind of rumor or statement that involves an inappropriate teacher/student relationship should be investigated. Some of these may actually be legitimate accusations, but others are often unfounded. It is for this reason, teachers need to take every precaution and use good judgment in dealing with situations with students where no other adult is present. Being mature, professional, and ethical are very important.