It is definitely a wake up call and a huge realization that we, as teachers, don't necessarily know everything that is going on in our students' lives. The stresses of being a teenager itself can be pretty overwhelming; I think it's important to consider other possibilities besides 'slacking' and really just sit down with our students and ask them personally what's going on. A lot of the time there are legitimate reasons for certain behaviour and it's important that we give our students the opportunity to explain themselves before we jump to conclusions. If we don't communicate and respect our students, how can we expect it return?
And certainly, we have certain obligations as teachers to report specific incidences. I think it's important to communicate this with the student, as this teacher did with Carl, as opposed to reporting it without the student's awareness. I think one should also explain to the student that reporting the issue is not only part of your job description, but because you care about them and their well being.
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I think that's a really important point you make, Lisa. We need to let the student's know that it IS our job to report it (and we'll get in trouble if we don't!) but also, that we would report it anyway, for their wellbeing. I'm sure the student would then try to convince us not to....but hopefully they'll realize that it's for their benefit.
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