Our school values three principles as a standard for our students and teachers alike. One of these is respect.

Respect is a word we all throw around a lot. But in all realness, who deserves respect?

There are many instances in school where students are highly disrespectful of teachers, and obviously that’s not okay. But sometimes I think that adults think they automatically deserve respect just because they are adults. I think respect should be earned, regardless of who you are.

Both the jobs of the student and the teacher are difficult. It’s a teacher’s job to educate tons of students, with immense pressures from outside sources to increase test scores, all while dealing with difficult students who are not working their hardest. At the same time, students are juggling several classes and responsibilities, leaving them mentally and physically exhausted; they often find themselves frustrated with their classes and teachers. Neither job is easy, but neither side deserves more respect than another.

Sometimes I think adults act as though respect comes automatically as they get older. But the thing is, we’re all people, and if I don’t feel as though I am respected by adults, I am less likely to give them respect in return. I think the amount of things students struggle with is underestimated. And while the expectation level rises, the appreciation level decreases.

As students, we are expected–in fact obligated–to respect our teachers because they dedicate their lives to our education. I just feel like it should be a two-way street and that students should be respected for the amount of work they put in.

I think a strong argument could be presented that the pressures that exist on students today are much greater than when most adults were in school. College has become an expectation to be successful, and strong standardized test stores can make or break you. I believe these are important things to remember before criticizing students too heavily.

In no circumstance should a student be disrespectful to a teacher. However, I think it’s important to return the favor. While a teacher’s job is demanding, so is a student’s, just in different ways. Respect is earned all around, no matter who you are or how old you are.