Comments on: Students project their emotional stress onto teachers and the outcome is not condusive to learning.

By: Elona Hartjes

Elona Hartjes — Mon, 09 May 2011 10:29:24 +0000

Marie,
I hear what you are saying, but let me tell you I have been writing this blog for almost five years now and have written many articles encouraging teachers to set positive classroom climates that respect students, and I plan to continue to do this. I’m not into parent bashing. I believe teachers and parents need to work together for the benefit of kids. After all, it’s all about the kids.

By: Marie Drahorad

Marie Drahorad — Mon, 09 May 2011 09:10:35 +0000

As a parent of a learning disordered child, the emotional stress on the child from the standpoint of a child trying to keep up with unrealistic expectations of teachers does takes its toll.

As a parent I have a loving and open relationship with my daughter. I find this article damaging and one sided where it portrays emotional stress a child experiences stemming not from the school but from the child’s home life.

Although this may be true in some cases, it is also important for you to write articles where you can suggest to teachers who lack understanding and tact how their senseless words affect a child with a disability.

I have had more of that in my journies through the public school system than helpful teachers that make a difference in my child’s life.

By: ann

ann — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:54:31 +0000

Thanks for the great tips.

By: Elona Hartjes

Elona Hartjes — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 21:21:29 +0000

Jeff,
Thank you so much for sharing your insight on this topic. I too believe that teachers “may be the most loving, connected, and appropriate adult in students’ lives”. That’s such a huge responsibility. It really is humbling, at least for me.

By: Jeffrey Wolfsberg

Jeffrey Wolfsberg — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 21:14:29 +0000

I’m an Addiction Prevention Specialist working in private practice. I work in what many would consider elite schools – all private. I provide workshops on addiction to students, parents, and educators. In this world of affluence, many students are under enormous pressure to succeed. I remind teachers that we may be the most loving, connected, and appropriate adult in student’s lives. When we live up to that responsibility, we can help teens navigate their way through the tough waters of adolescence.

Regards,

Jeff

By: Tracy Rosen

Tracy Rosen — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 13:08:00 +0000

Kids deal with student-teacher stress in different ways. Sometimes they act out; sometimes they withdraw. They do this “in an unconscious effort to make sure other students and the teacher experience the stress with (them) “. (Gurian, p37 )

I’m going to look for this reference. I’d like to see the research that goes along with Gurian’s statement.

I experience stress in the classroom somewhat differently. Stress is vibrant in my classroom of majority girls. It is noisy, rife with opposition and clatter.

I agree with you, it is definitely quieter when I reach out and connect with my students. When I provide them with a safe way to cope with the stress – whether it be by letting them take a break through trips to the office or longer breaks via extended reading periods in a separate space or music in the background while writing journals. Whatever works.