Which of your teachers do you remember most fondly? It's almost certainly neither the tyrants nor the 'pushovers'. The teachers we remember with greatest respect were usually the ones who were 'firm but fair', the ones in whose care, looking back on it now, we developed in a positive way. Often, these teachers provided one of the most 'formative' influences in our lives. This is not to discount the influence of our parents or guardians, but that relationship is too intimate, too partial, too fraught. (In many cases, even the passing of years does nothing to un-complicate our relationship with our parents!)
The 'good' teacher is another matter, and his/her impartiality in loco parentis can be a force for enormous good in a child's development.
"Nor had I ever met before perfect courtesy in a teacher. It had nothing to do with softness; Smewgy could be very severe, but it was the severity of a Judge, weighty and measured, without taunting..."
Surprised by Joy, C.S.Lewis
It seems to have something to do with appropriate, measured severity. A Judge, like 'blind justice', achieves stature and authority through impartiality. Like the successful rulers of medieval Europe, the successful teacher uses appropriate severity, not as a punishment, but in order to provide security.
"[Feudalism's] hierarchy is both intimidating and reassuring, and while the leader may operate on the basis of fear, he scares his followers less than the alternatives in a lawless and chaotic environment."
Danziger and Black
The same applies in the classroom. The security provided by a strict teacher is preferable to the dangerous and insecure environment which would result if bullies and gangs held sway.
One important weapon in a teacher's arsenal for achieving authority is unpredictability.
The Headmaster in Kipling's 'Stalky & Co.' is faced with an unusual moral dilemma, and knows that his choice of reaction will have great implications for his authority. He knows that the eponymous heroes are guilty of mischief, yet is aware that all the available evidence points to their innocence:
"I am convinced that, on this occasion, you have strictly adhered to the truth. There is not a flaw in any of your characters. And that is why I am going to perpetrate a howling injustice." Six apiece was their portion upon that word.
"And this, I think" - the head replaced the cane, and flung the written charge into the waste paper basket - "covers the situation. When you find a variation from the normal - this will be useful to you in later life - always meet him in an abnormal way. And that reminds me. there are a pile of paperbacks on that shelf. You can borrow them if you put them back... You will go to prep this evening as usual. Goodnight," said that amazing man.
"Goodnight, and thank you Sir."
"I swear I'll pray for the Head tonight," said Beetle.
N.B. Don't try this at school today, teachers.
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