Tell me what you really think.
I remember my Algebra teacher explaining integers moving "Snoopy" up and down a number line and me thinking, "Does this clown think we're BABIES?!?" I was so appalled and put off of his class that my first quarter grade suffered ("I got a C - in MATH!!!!).
In my experience as a therapist, I've found it's more useful to not only meet a client's level but exceed it - challenge them. From that experience, my clients have expressed their gratitude that I respected them enough to ask them to seek what they did not know what they had. That comes from my memory of my favorite teachers - the ones who challenged me.
BTW, I started my job today and had a long talk with a teacher, held you up as an example. Even though if I've never taken any of your classes, you have been my teacher 
Good people, when Mamacita says she loved teaching that level, she's not kidding.
She was amazing at it too. I literally would not be where I am today without having had Mamacita in the 8th grade. My oldest nephew had her as well, and I am certain he feels the same way.
WF
Kids do pick up on BS. Or disrespect. More than we do? Hmmmm. . . I don't know. But I do know that when the teacher doesn't start from a position of respect for the students, things fall apart quickly. We've had good luck with this in various classes my kids have chosen to take. And we've had a couple of bad experiences, too. When the kids feel this rule is being violated -- "Never talk down to older students. Or younger ones either, for that matter." -- that's the end of the relationship. If the teacher can't remember the Golden Rule, why pay to be treated rudely?
The amazing thing as a parent is watching the process when it goes well. An instructor who establishes a kind, decent, respectful atmosphere that encourages self-discipline from everyone involved doesn't have to deal with many of the issues a louder but less-effective teacher encounters.
At least that's been our experience. Of course, all of this was voluntary on our part and that probably changes things a great deal.
Nance
May I also add that every middle school teacher should have this site bookmarked:
www.urbandictionary.com
If it sounds inappropriate, it IS inappropriate, and you need to call them on it - gently, firmly, and immediately. I cannot believe how many teachers in my school STILL do not know what "skeet" means and continue to smile stupidly as the students walk by singing about it in the halls.
The fact that we take the time to get to know their language will, believe it or not, make them respect us that much more.
I'll be meditating frequently on your comments for the next couple of weeks as I prepare to move from elementary to middle school on 21 August. Thanks for your wit and wisdom!
Ok--now I'm REALLY nervous
I've often said that elementary students (even those in kindergarten)have built-in "junk" detectors when it comes to good music vs. dumb, watered-down music. I believe the same goes for older students re: sincere teaching and teacher/student relationships.
I've always known where to go for good middle/high school teaching advice, and I won't be forgetting that as I venture into high school (after teaching elementary for 22 years!).
Love ya, sis!
p.s. Was this post intended for me, by any chance? I hear ya, loud and clear...
Brilliant advice. This is genius.
I had a student teacher ask me how to do that. You just can't explain it.
When I moved from middle school to high school, many people assumed it was because of the kids.
"Oh no, love the kids. It's the whole middle school thingy I need to leave." After all, I got to see lots of my old students again in class. That was great.
DG - As you move into teaching high school, keep holding on to that "good vs. crappy" music dichotomy. I truly believe Our Old High School could have had one of the finest choirs in the state if Mr. F had stuck to his guns and told Mrs. M. (Ms. J. in your day, if memory serves) to take the crap and shove it.
Not that I'm bitter, no. The worst part is, given her training (meager as it was), Mrs. M should have known much better.
WF
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