Disposition #1: Respect

When I was told to define respect, I thought "simple, repect is...well...I'm not sure" and realized that I never gave much thought to it. The best dictionary.com definition in my opinion is "esteem for or a sense of the worth or excellence of a person, a personal quality or ability, or something considered as a manifestation of a personal quality or ability." To be honest though that doesn't really sound that great either. Respect. We teach our youth to be respectful almost at birth; its just one of those things that you know, yet to put it into words is proving extremely difficult. To me, the best way to describe it is that it is the golden rule: do to others as you wish to have done to yourself.
In regards to respect in the classroom, I agree with the Emerson quote that "the secret of education lies in respecting the pupil." The best and most memorable teachers I had, were the ones that held mutual respect between their students. I feel that respect correlates with likability, not just in the classroom but in all areas of life. Having respect gives the student a greater desire to learn what you teach, because if the student likes the teacher they will want to listen to them and not let them down. Without it however, there will not be a good learning environment. In any way you look at it, say if a teacher is too weak and timid, the students will do only what they want; If a teacher is to dominant and power hungry, the students will rebel against them in any way they can, and that often means simply not listening. Without respect there isn't a strong student teacher connection in which to relate and transfer knowledge. Basically, with respect in the classroom the teacher can teach and the students will learn. Whereas without it, the students will not want to learn and therefore will not learn.
As to the question "what does respect look like?" It is very similar to trying to define it, in that it is quite difficult. To me, it is when the teacher commands the attention of the students and the students willingly give it to him/her. The teacher is understanding of the students and can relate to them. He is not too much of an enforcer, but has the ability to get tasks accomplished timely and efficiently. The students do not fear the teacher, but know that the teacher is in control and look up to him/her.
How does one establish respect in the classroom, I have no answer, yet. They must have the ability to balance likability and establishment of who has power. Too much or either one and you may lose the students' respect.
In actuality I feel as though that was too black and white. That may be what it takes to be an outstanding teacher, but a teacher can still be great yet not have a "hit or miss" philosophy on Respect.

-Mike Redig