tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243284269486433927.post7572551696840383267..comments2023-11-16T01:50:06.868-08:00Comments on Edu Change & Student Advocacy: Teachers Learn Some Bad Ideas in Teacher SchoolEdu Change & Student Advocacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08045086448860071310noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5243284269486433927.post-6323398976370909752014-02-22T15:24:37.367-08:002014-02-22T15:24:37.367-08:00I have always thought the 'Don't smile/don...I have always thought the 'Don't smile/don't be friendly 'til Christmas' advice was ridiculous. In addition to the important academic work we do in schools, the interpersonal skills we teach--and model--are vital for students to develop as they are standing on the precipice of the world of college or work. Who on earth would advise a new employee to be stand-offish and unapproachable for the first three months of employment? Why on earth would we want to model that behavior for our students? Yes, I know that these two scenarios illustrate opposite sides of the 'power hierarchy' (teacher/student, employee/employer), but nonetheless, regardless of which side of the hierarchy one falls on, learning--and teaching--responsive, respectful, engaging, and approachable interpersonal skills is AT LEAST as important as the academics we seek to share with our students.msprimadonna67https://www.blogger.com/profile/04987221270784648882noreply@blogger.com