What I have learned from my students

I have learned that they are, well, teenagers. I have learned that they think they are grown, but yet continue to do some very childish things (kind of reminds me of myself when I was their age). I have learned that many of them have their minds elsewhere when sitting in the classroom, so it is a challenge to keep them engaged and interested. I have learned the importance of establishing a good repor with them early on so they respond well to you as the year progresses. Teenagers whine and complain, a lot. They respect a teacher who stands up for what he/she wants to enforce more than they do a teacher that becomes a pushover. Respect is key in the classroom. I have learned to remember that you never know where each student comes from or what happened to them prior to entering your room. Mostly, I have learned that I will continue to learn from my students every day.