How many times have you sat through a lesson or speech and noticed someone setting expectations for you, only to realize they don’t meet those expectations themselves? Did you lose respect for that person? Did it make you want to keep listening? I’ve noticed that many of us in education do this with our students. We clearly outline expectations but then make excuses when we fail to uphold them ourselves. Some may even say, “Those expectations are for the students, not for me.” This attitude essentially conveys, “I’ll do what I want and disregard being a good example.” If we’re in a position to lead, especially with students, we must embody the standards we set.
I understand this may be difficult for some to hear. If you’re offended by the idea that we must model the behaviors we expect from our students, then you might be part of the problem. Leadership in the classroom involves being the example we want others to follow. If I want my students to work hard and strive for improvement, I need to do the same. If I encourage my students to prioritize their health, I must do that as well. If I ask them to slow down, pay attention, and focus on details, I must practice those habits, too. I am the example my students will see.
Teaching is one of the most influential professions. Long before social media influencers, there were teachers shaping the lives of their students. So, how are you influencing yours? Teaching is personal and real; it’s not done behind a screen where you can hide your true self. It takes place front and center, where students observe and learn from us beyond the classroom. If we don’t embody the expectations we set for our students, any influence we thought we had diminishes.
We must set high standards and adhere to them. If we want our students to be kind and respectful, we can’t engage in gossip or treat others with contempt. If we expect our students to speak kindly and refrain from profanity, we need to model that behavior in our own lives. The standards we expect from our students must be reflected in our actions. We need to hold ourselves accountable and strive to live lives above reproach, avoiding hypocrisy. If we don’t, our students will see that hypocrisy is acceptable.
A school should be built on trust and respect. Students should believe that educators embody more than just words; they should see us living out the expectations we set. Whatever we want from our students must first be a priority for us. If we ask students to do something we’re unwilling to do ourselves, trust and respect will erode. We must rise above societal norms and live according to the expectations we establish for our students. Never set standards you’re not prepared to uphold, and don’t criticize your students for actions you yourself engage in. We must be the example.
Welcome To The Classroom 