PhyreBards

My blog entry this week is a little bit of a sensitive subject for me as I am sure it is for a lot of us young teachers that have students very close in age. Ever since I have stepped into the classroom my freshman year for EDU 211 I have had to deal with the whistles and side talk about my appearance. I usually just ignore it, but when I can hear students saying things about me and the way I look it is sometimes hard to not say anything. I have found that not acknowledging this cry for attention usually solves the problem, but what about when it doesn't? It is a real concern that I think about each time I go into a new classroom (after a while it always dies down and students learn that I am a professional just like their teacher)and it's very uncomfortable. Should I have to make a conscious effort to not look my best and wear my hair down because of the comments that ALWAYS happen the first time I do?

I am just wondering if this is an issue for anyone else. I hate being hit on (like any other woman) at inappropriate times by men that are of absolutely no interest to me and it happening at school with my students is 1000 times worse. I do not mean to limit this to the guys either. I have heard a fair share of girls talking about my appearance and even if it's flattering, it is equally uncomfortable to hear in the classroom. Thanks for reading my rant!