I thought y’all might enjoy this story of a public school teacher who is very concerned about his at-risk students.
While reading the story, I had to wonder if the man doesn’t put himself at risk for the type of accusations we read about each day by becoming so involved with his students.
Even if his intentions are pure, his actions could be taken the wrong way by a lonely, depressed teenaged girl. This was probably not the wisest course of action and could have easily backfired.
He has the right idea, but this sort of thing would be far better handled by a female teacher.
We've gone far beyond that. Those who work with children, be they teachers, scout leaders, sports coaches, etc. could find themselves in hot water just for putting their arm around a child. All because of the small minority of predators among us.
This teacher talks on the phone to his student while his wife sits nearby. He and his wife could talk to this student's parent to explain his efforts to help her, and ask that parent to be present during any phone conversation.
Believing the teacher is sincere, he can avoid suspicions on both sides---or walk away from the student.
I adopted a policy in my classroom about 5 years ago to never assume a student is mad at me when they blow up in class. I ask them to leave and then in the hallway, I ask what is wrong. It has never failed that it was something totally unrelated to me, but I just took the brunt of their anger. Once you give them a chance to talk and maybe an opportunity to go see the counselor, you've bought HUGE bonus goodwill chips that last months.
Kids are so worth the extra effort.