Student-teacher dates off limits
August 24, 2012 4:14PM
Updated: September 26, 2012 6:03AM
Dr. Wallace: I’m a 16, and I’d like to comment on the advice you gave a girl who, after graduating, wanted to ask a former teacher for a date. You advised her not to. I was shocked at your response.
Ever since seventh grade I’ve had a crush on a certain teacher. My mother told me that I would forget all about him when I got into high school and started dating. Well, I’m in high school now and I’ve dated guys my own age, but my crush on this teacher has grown into a full-fledged love. I still see him often and we discuss many things. When I graduate from high school, I plan to have a relationship with this former teacher. And why not? He is a super human being. He is single and I’m sure he would accept my invitation.
Dr. Wallace, aren’t you aware that true love conquers all?
Nameless, San Antonio, Texas
Nameless: Teachers have a moral obligation not to get involved romantically with their students, and those who do are subject to termination.
When a teacher gets romantically involved with a former student who has left high school, no action by school authorities can be taken, but the teaching profession still “frowns” on this type of relationship.
I’m also aware that some students mistakenly take a teacher’s concern for them as a signal that romance is forthcoming. That could very well be the case with your former teacher.
Write to Robert Wallace
at rwallace@galesburg.net
