An Educator's Comments

"Often, educators teach the average student and don't consider differences and individual learning styles. I think it is important as a teacher to build relationships with our students and foster a learning environment of academic rigor and high expectations for all"

That is an excellent point.  A healthy classroom doesn't end with the diet of the students nor does it end with the decrease of toxicity in their environment.  Those are only two components of a healthy classroom.  It isn't a healthy classroom, for example, if the students don't feel comfortable enough to ask their teacher questions about the material that they are learning and it isn't a healthy classroom if the students aren't being challenged to critically analyze materials that they have read and learned.  Oh yes, the relationships between teachers and students are important and high expectations can also play a critical part of academic success.  "Students will rise to the level of expectation" as Jaime A. Escalante demonstrated to all of his colleagues (and later the nation).  He was also a fabulous example of what one teacher can accomplish when you have a strong rapport with your class.

I believe that good rapport and high expectations can contribute to a healthy class.  This is why I give school teachers my regard, for their jobs aren't easy ones. When teachers do an excellent job, however, it shows and the students remember you forever for it!