Teacher/Student relationships are powerful

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Home : 2002 : March : 17

Teacher/Student relationships are powerful
By Beth

After reading your posting, the piece that stuck out to me was Jane's truancy. Apparently, Jane has had some problems before she was placed in the at risk program at the high school. She says that her main problem is she
does not want to be part of the at- risk program, yet she has had attendance problems in the past. Have her attendance problems ever been explored by a guidance counselor or a social worker? Something may be going on at home which affects her attendance at school.
Jane is very lucky to have an adult who takes such a special interest in her well being. Your relationship with this

student is very powerful as is seems she trusts and respects you. Have you ever spoken to her parents? Maybe a behavior modification program can be worked out and as her mentor, you can play an active role. As for calling her teachers, I would only do so with her parent's consent.
A lot of high school students feel the desire to drop out of school. Maybe you can spend time exploring a four year plan with her. Are there vocational programs at the school that may interest her? If you can help her set short and long term goals, school can be a tool used to reach those goals? What does she want to do if she was to drop out? Working at McDonald's certainly will not allow her the resources to live comfortably and own nice things. Is this important to her?
As her former teacher, be careful with your boundaries. Remember you are not her "friend." She looks up to you as a mentor. Use this gift wisely!
It seems that Jane needs to find a purpose for being in school. Maybe you can help her see what opportunites are available to someone with an education.