<p>Hmm. I come from a family of educators. I wish I could say I was one myself. I consider myself a relatively young 44 but based solely upon my experience and observations it seems our society and the needs of our students have changed so much since I was in high school. Epiphany, you are 100% correct in your observation- “It’s about your value & effectiveness as an agent of growth/health.” It’s not about a teacher’s need to be needed; it’s about fostering the growth of a child no matter what the child’s needs are. </p>
<p>I do think it’s possible to have a relationship between a teacher and student that is familial yet maintains the professional boundaries of teacher/student. My D has known her Calc instructor for 10 years - he is one of a very few teachers she will approach for advice or ask about programs, courses or universities. I regularly talk and consult with him about D, almost as if he’s a member of our family. And after 10 years, I feel like he is. And he’s that way with students he hasn’t known as long. He wants his students to be successful. Their success as independent, self-sufficient young men and women is his success. I would hate to think that would ever change because someone thought his behavior was intrusive or he was “eating it up”.</p>