A Happy Medium (not a happy meal)

Sort of in response to Leo, sort of just thoughts I have been having as Student Teaching rapidly approaches...
I agree with Leo in that I don't want to be one of those teachers who try really hard to be a friend to their students...but at the same time, I don't want to be just their teacher and have it stop there. It's really important to me that they know I care about them as individuals, outside of school. In my own experience, the best teachers were always the ones who came to some of the sports events, chior concerts, school plays, etc. The Spanish teacher at my high school was by far the favorite teacher, because once a month she'd have all her students (or at least the ones in Spanish Club) over for dinner---mexican-style. They'd play games, have food, and just hang out outside of school. Her students who have graduated still go back to visit her and have reunions annually!

As a teacher, I don't want to act like a teenager, try to pick up and use the slang my students are using, and try to make them like me...but I think somehow we can find a balance as teachers. If my students think that all I care about is making them learn, and keeping my job, I think they'll be less likely to perform in the classroom. But on the other side, if they think that I just want to be their friend, they won't respect me and won't obey me. The trick will be finding a happy medium. :)