Authenticity

There is no doubt that honest relationships with students are necessary in order to create a good learning atmosphere.  Authenticity is the first step to establishing good rapport.  In my experience working at a YMCA day camp for the last few summers, I have realized that children respond well to and enjoy being around teachers/counselors that show genuine interest in students.  I think that showing interest in students lives outside of the classroom is a good way to show that you are authentically interested in the lives of students and their success in the future.  Teachers must somehow reveal to their students that they are indeed human beings and have lives and interests other than teaching without boring students or revealing too much.  If a teacher comes across as "fake" students will fail to feel motivated to learn the material that is presented.  Inversely, If a teacher does act with authenticity, or 'as themselves,' students tend to behave better and work harder.