I’m a third year College of Ed. student and I’m really interested in teaching high school. I’m only 21, and everyone tells me that it would be a horrible idea because I’m only like 4 years older than the students and I’m “attractive”. I would never even think about doing anything inappropriate and the people who tell me this know that I would never be inappropriate, but the students saying inappropriate things to me is everyone’s concern. Thoughts?

You can’t worry about those factors.  Choose whatever path you are most interested in and comfortable with.  I was similar in age to you when I started teaching, and it’s not that big of a deal.  As long as you are respectful, firm and create clear boundaries, students will know their place.  If they do not, there are supports in place in schools for the situation to be dealt with.

Good luck!

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