I think its the teachers job to earn the students&#x27; respect, by not only being a role model but also demonstrating genuine interest in the topic they are teaching. I think that when I show how deeply I love the topic I&#x27;m teaching, it rubs off on the students and they go along with it.<p>Also, you seem to be arguing from the perspective of what <i>is</i> rather than what <i>ought to be</i>. I&#x27;m arguing for a shift in perspective where teacher competence and enthusiasm and high expectations of students isn&#x27;t something special or extra, but rather the norm.