How to Gain Respect as an Educator?

Respect is often mentioned spontaneously when people talk about relationships in society, and intuitively everyone seems to know its meaning. In any kind of relationship, respect is often said to contribute to successful interactions. Scientists, politicians, writers and journalists commonly use the term ‘respect’ in their arguments with remarkable conviction. Throughout every segment of our society there is an increasing demand for respect (Hill Jr., 2000; O’Connell, 2000). A common belief has been that there is a lack of respect among the young for the older generation, while young people often argue that respect is not returned and their views are repeatedly ignored. Politicians tell us that many of the complex problems facing our modern, multicultural societies are due to a lack of respect. Educators must gain the respect of those they wish to teach in order to obtain their attention.