A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:I'm 22 and teaching ESL (English as a second language) at a university abroad. At the same university, I'm also taking a class. After class, I hung out with my classmates who are also my friends. Later I found that they're taking the English class I'm teaching! I'm a teacher and a student at the same university. I teach people that are the same age as me. Should I take classes elsewhere? Where do I draw the line?
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male
reader, xgod  +, writes (6 May 2012):
 I would suggest you make a mental shift in your own mindset. When you are a classmate, you are in the classroom in which you are the student with said classmates of your own.When you enter the classroom as TEACHER, be strong, firm, and objective. While teaching can be fun and enjoyable, make certain your fellow students know that in one place you are their teacher and the other just one of them. As Teacher you will take no lip and not give favors just because they are also your peers.Another way to think of it is to categorize your personality and censor yourself to teaching the grammar, punctuation, pronunciation, and focus only on teaching. You must inform your friends while you are a student that - when they enter your classroom in which you are a teacher, you must retain a certain distance to do your JOB effectively.They must be made to understand that you have a responsibility to them and to all of the other students in your classroom to be THE TEACHER more than their friend.You draw the line at the moment you switch goals. You draw the line when you step into that room where you must teach ESL. Perhaps a change of clothing would be in order to visually alter their perception of you. Be casual while a student, but dress more formally or more distinguished, more ADULT and demure and focus on the language you are teaching, do not take any lip from them and do not allow them to try to manipulate you into using their friendship with you for favors.
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