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 not their friend. You are their teacher. Yes, you do want them to trust you for school related issues, but they should not feel comfortable speaking to you like you're one of the girls. Race should play any factor in being able to talk to anyone.