The Colors of Disrespect

Teachers and staff approach disrespect in a variety of different ways. The levels of respect vary like a color wheel, with blues and purples being low levels and reds and oranges being high levels of disrespect. When asked what disrespect means, the answers varied. Mrs. Grier agreed with the “color wheel” theory,

“There’s a lot of disrespect, it could be from not following the teachers classroom rules to really yelling at a teacher, walking out of a classroom..it kind of runs the gamut…when we see disrespect here it's more of just direct defiance.” Mrs. Grier said.

“I think when someone is outwardly disrespectful to an adult, it's a reflection of disrespect of self,” Miss Sprague said.

The main rules being disrespected are simple: cell phones and dress code. However, disrespect has a larger umbrella. When asked what disrespect teachers see daily, Mrs. Sprague made a valuable point about classroom etiquette,

“Just general apathy..teachers are here, excited about their content. You go into this profession not only because you enjoy your curriculum but because you enjoy young people and when there's just an overall apathy…don't care enough to open the book, don't care enough to look up answers, that to me is disrespectful.” Sprague said.

When it comes to red on the colors of disrespect, the general answer is the fights, derogatory racial comments, and the bully mentality. This can be seen in parents as well, Mrs. Grier commented,

“I think parents think that advocating for their kid means calling and yelling at people, when you can call and have a reasonable conversation and all get on the same page.” Grier said.

The colors/levels of disrespect vary but are seen everyday. While a problem may seem inconsequential or extreme, disrespectful behavior is inexcusable.