I tried to use some modern slang to build rapport with my seniors and I’ve never seen a group of people look more physically pained in my life. One girl told me, "Please don't do that again, Mr. B, it hurts," and honestly, I respect the honesty. I’m only 29, but being around teenagers makes me feel like I’m 100 years old. How do you all stay relatable without becoming a "how do you do, fellow kids" meme?

Just be you and be passionate about what you teach. They will respect that more than bad attempts to use slang.

Just be yourself. Kids can tell if you're trying too hard or trying to be someone you're not.

Be Mr. B. When I taught high school I talked with my kids like I was talking with anyone else. If I didn't know something I said I don't know, I told them to shut up, when they said I couldn't say that I gave them a 3 minute lecture, "There are only two things that I HAVE to do in life one is be born and the other is to die the rest are choices good or bad. My choice at this moment is to tell you to shut up. Plus I'm the teacher." As you see I have a strange sense of humor but it works well with teenagers. They would come to me with their problems and with their joys. God I miss them.

I always just be myself, and use their lingo to get on their nerves LOL. I was 50 when I started this 2nd career and starting my 7th year. Mostly I talk of myself and ask open ended questions and they can choose to reciprocate. I am also present, accepting, and listen when they talk. If absent I say welcome back and hope you are feeling better or had a good time if there parents decided to take a vacay.

Yes, be yourself as a teacher in the classroom. We all act differently based on who we are with and where. I ask students, do you act and speak the same way with your relatives as you do with friends, principal, coach, minister, etc…

My sister in law teaches high school math and she is incredibly nerdy. She doesn't shy away from it and yes, some of the kids give her grief but they all end up loving her by the end of the year because she's authentic!

Great question! Students don't want their teachers using slang to connect, build rapport, etc. If you try too hard, you lose. whatever you teach, keep it interesting. Educators know that seniors are easily bored, tired, sleepy, moody, and don't want to be in the classroom. As seniors, they are ready for the school year to be over. I stay relatable through my style of teaching and I usually tap into their interests as it's related to what I am teaching. Hopefully, you have boundaries and strong expectations that's non-negotiable.

This is funny