Don’t try to change me — you can’t, because I am the only one who can.

Show me, teach me, help me see what you see; I can change myself

Don’t try to coerce, manipulate or control me by your professional power;

I am never powerless; just forced to use my power in aberrant ways.

Don’t try to make me to be obedient, submissive, and polite;

Teach me to choose such traits on my own, if or when I see them appropriate.

Don’t try to be my friend. Share some of your personal thoughts and feelings, and

Get to know me; we might become friends.

Don’t always tell, correct and lead me; sometimes you need to;

Listen, acknowledge, accept, understand, and follow my lead.

Don’t spend time trying to help me unless I want help. It won’t do any good.

Ask me if I need or want help; let me show how you can help me help myself.

Don’t try to make me listen to you or pay attention to your lessons. You can’t make me.

You can only make me “act” like I am listening or paying attention.

Don’t take away my right to refuse or to say no. Don’t force me into compliance:

Saying “no” is a way I can protect myself; I need my right to refuse.

Don’t take away my struggle, just help me struggle for things that are worthwhile;

Like you, I am willing to struggle for anything I feel might be worth it.

Permit me to remind you, respectfully of course, that:

We are together each day, so I learn what you are like, how you act, and who you are.

I learn your attitude and interests; feelings and values — I can press your buttons!

We are a part of each other’s lives; I did not choose you nor did you choose me.

Teaching-Learning relationships need give-and-take on both parts not just mine.

All I want, need, and expect is acceptance as a human being having worth and dignity.

I am living the only life I have ever known, or will ever have; I am I.

Respect is earned, but I can’t earn it through intimidation, conformity, or compliance.

Allow me to be me, to learn and be responsible. Mutual respect is...well, mutual.

I did not ask to be “at-risk.”I do not want to be “at-risk.”And I can do nothing about it.

Educators created school programs, and Educators can change them — I can’t.