A relationship between students and teachers should be professional, healthy and appropriate. Regardless of the dynamic, relationships must have a proper balance to ensure suitable boundaries. There are limitations that students and teachers must never cross regardless of their bond with one another.

Overall, there are certain behaviors that can bleed into the lines of unprofessionalism. These would include communication over social media, messages or in-person conversations outside of school.

While this behavior can be normalized in a high school setting, it always comes down to the intentions of someone’s actions. For example, a relationship between a coach and an athlete can have exceptions due to their mandatory communication. Coaches could message their athletes for the purpose of adjusting practice times or general announcements for the team and parents.

While bonds can vary between people and situations, they should all mainly follow the fundamentals of professionalism.

Although, there’s behavior that crosses student-teacher boundaries. When there are undertones of secrecy and suggestive comments, the entire relationship can become highly inappropriate and unhealthy. Both sides of the relationship should always feel comfortable and safe. If your bond between your teacher isn’t deemed appropriate by your parents or friends, this could indicate a boundary violation.

Another unprofessional element could be the conversement of intimate details about one’s personal life. This can include discussions about someone’s romantic relationships or personal drama. The line between privateand work lives should be evident from the beginning, and the conversations should remain friendly and well-mannered.

If any discomfort is presented in any of your student-teacher relationships, please contact a counselor, an assistant principal or another trusted adult right away. Looking out for these sign can keep everyone secure and attentive. We should be able to see our teachers as mentors and as people who provide guidance, and no one should be taken advantage of. Both parties should always feel safe and comfortable.While there could be expectations to this rule, no one is meant to have a bond with their teachers or students that is more than educator and learner. They should maintain a polite and respectful dynamic.

With that being said, everyone has a responsibility to maintain professionalism. We must remember as students and staff that there should always be a healthy, well-balanced and appropriate relationship.