Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         Case: Risking relationships for the sake of order As a white woman, it take takes a while for some minority students to buy in to the mutual trust/respect needed in class. It has taken first semester to establish a trusting relationship with a group of African American girls in my 11th grade class. Now, we have a really great relationship, however, it seems like they are a bit too relaxed with me. They have a tendency to talk to each other at inappropriate times and often are distracting to others because of this. I've been very patient and have lightheartedly asked them to "bring it back in, girls", etc. to no avail. I have been wrestling with changing their seating arrangement to separate them all. They will be very angry about this. Do I risk it for the sake of order in the class or do I seek an alternative? Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!) You are their teacher first and a friend second. This is a boundary that needs to be established on the first day of class. You will need to reinforce this with the girls. If you have a personal relationship with them, then I would talk to them first and let the know that if the talking continues that they will be separated. You are doing this not for personal reasons but for respect for their classmates who are being disruptive. You can not let you personal feelings for students get involved for what is right. Remember, you have an entire class to consider as well.