Some students at AGHS have become increasingly unsatisfied with how they are treated by a few of the faculty and staff. Disagreements between students and staff can cause strained relationships on campus.
Parker Violette (‘24), thinks that it’s the teachers who are causing the rift. “Instead of just pulling you aside and maybe having a conversation, [some teachers] like to shout [at] you out in front of the class and put all the attention on you. But it’s also just the small things like the condescending comments on being late and the teasing, overall disrespectful [to students].”
Violette thinks staff doesn’t respond to disrespect with the best reactions, others find that there’s a reason behind it.
“I’ve witnessed students yell at teachers or be really rude to teachers. Obviously, the teachers aren’t going to have the most appropriate reaction. But I feel like that’s more deserved because the students [are] really causing a ruckus.” Dylen Fitzpatrick (‘24) said.
No one is at fault for the lack of respect, both staff and students could be better. Staff feel there are ways students can help fix their relationships.
“I think that people often look at— especially as a student— teachers as someone who is just the deliverer of content or the deliverer of a punishment or the deliverer of a consequence. They often forget that we are living breathing people,” Alicia Stoffers, American Sign Language teacher, said.
After years of working in a high school, staff know how to handle disrespect from students. They understand the reasoning behind most student’s disrespect and can keep it professional.
“I’ve been in classes where teachers have been disrespected and they handled it well and it really shines on the teacher’s part and it shows that they’re a good person and a good teacher. It really is just embarrassing for the student,” Fitzpatrick said.
Respect can have a big impact on the relationships and experiences students have in school. Feeling disrespected can lead students to feel scared to be at school or even to feel that it’s okay for them to give disrespect back.
“When I walk down the halls, I’m in fear of constantly being called out by someone that’s standing there like a teacher that’s supervising. If it wasn’t like that where they had never made a condescending tease, I wouldn’t feel frightened, or humiliated to walk down the hall,” Violette said. “I think that if everyone had that mutual respect and kindness for each other, the impact on the school would not only be a healthier, a fun, safer environment, but students would feel more comfortable.”
Stoffers has similar opinions on the importance respect has on the school environment.
“I think that no matter what, people are more invested when they feel like they’re being respected, across all avenues. I think students feel like my classroom is a place to come if there are things that are going on because they know that they’re respected in this space,” Stoffers said. “That’s developed great relationships with students over the years and it also enriches your high school experience because you have that bond with the teacher.”
Despite the difference in opinions on respect at AGHS, one thing is clear. Everybody should put more effort into being kind to each other, and treating everyone how they want to be treated.
“Everybody needs to look outside themselves, that is my thing about respect. Learn to remove yourself from the situation and understand that human beings, while flawed, are human beings.” Stoffers said.
