One of the most important things any educator can do is earn the respect of his or her students. This can be difficult for teachers but it is especially hard for administrators who see the students far less than the teachers and often when they are in trouble. There are a few things that can be done most of which every administrator already knows but needs occasional reminders of just how important they are.
The first and most basic thing is also the one that is the easiest to fail at. If you expect anyone to show you respect you have to treat them with respect. This is easy with good students but much harder with those who are constantly in trouble. The problem is that schools are small places and the students will know if you don’t do this even once. Among the most basic of these is not talking down to students and not lowering expectations. It is far better to have a student have to ask what you mean than to feel like you assume they are stupid.
Just as important is knowing the students. If you can learn the first and last name of a student it gives you far more authority to speak to them about their problems and you will earn a lot more respect. This is of course not easy and even teachers with less students and more time often have trouble but it is worthwhile to know more than just the names of the troublemakers.
Another important point is that students need to know that they can rely on you. This exists on two sides and often it is easy to ignore one for the other. If you say you are going to do something in a disciplinary capacity and do not you will lose authority and respect. On the other hand if you make a promise to do something for or with a student it is just as vital you follow through.
This also means that you have to be very careful to be fair. Assuming the worst of students because they have gotten in trouble before or having different punishments for the same thing is always dangerous. If everyone knows the rules and you follow them things will be easier for everyone.
The most important thing you can do is simply to get to know students and let them understand that you are looking out for their best interests because when they understand this it will be far easier to gain their respect.