How to avoid trouble from female students; Advice to male teachers

How to avoid trouble from female students

Mr. Eric Wireko, a facilitator at the Divine International School in Adenta, Accra has released a research for male teachers on how to avoid trouble from female students.

According to Mr. Eric Wireko, it is important for all teachers, regardless of their gender, to maintain professional boundaries and to treat all students with respect.

However, as a male teacher, it is especially important to be mindful of power dynamics and to be aware of the potential for misunderstandings or allegations of inappropriate behavior.

Here are some tips for male teachers to avoid trouble from female students:

1. Establish clear boundaries

Make it clear to your students what behaviors are acceptable and what is not. For example, you might set rules about physical contact, such as no hugs or physical touch other than a handshake. In our culture, we hardly receive hugs and arms wrapped around the shoulder when we are young. Society has an interpretation for it when this is coming from an adult male and you must be aware of it. It has the potential of sending certain signals to the student.

2. Avoid being alone with a female student

To minimize the risk of any potential misperceptions or allegations, or anything untoward crossing your mind and that of hers, try to avoid being alone with a female student, especially in a closed or isolated space. Either in the classroom, office, home or when you are out of the school environment. Temptation is a bitch

3. Be mindful of your language and actions

Be conscious of the words you use and how you interact with your students. Avoid using language or making gestures that could be perceived as inappropriate or suggestive. Even if it’s a joke, don’t address them as your wife or girlfriend. Be careful what comments you make about their look. Never say to their hearing that you love them and you will marry them out of joke. Perhaps, nobody has said this to them before and hearing those from you makes them develop feelings for you and they start acting it out. Observers will also have their own perception.

4. Be open to feedback

If a student expresses discomfort or concern about your behavior, listen to their concerns and take them seriously. Since you might be serving in a community that has a culture different from yours and you might behave in ways that suggest things that you didn’t intend. Again, human as we are we are likely to let our guard down sometimes. Being open to feedback puts you back on your toes. Consider seeking guidance from a trusted colleague or supervisor if needed.

5. Follow school policies

Familiarize yourself with your school’s policies on student-teacher relationships and be sure to adhere to them. If you are unsure about a policy, ask for clarification. In addition, read more on student teacher relationship in the National Teachers Standard and Code of Conduct for Teachers.

6. Above all, know your weakness and take steps to prevent them from landing in trouble.

It is important to remember that all students, regardless of their gender, deserve to feel safe and respected in the classroom.

By maintaining these  professional boundaries, teachers can help create a positive and supportive learning environment for all students.

SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh