Cause for teacher, student relationship

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The news of the Holyoke teacher-student alleged relationship is raising concerns in the academic world.

Barbra Dautrich, a professor of education at American International College in Springfield, told 22News when teachers engage in intimate relationships with their students it’s a complex situation.

She says the initial attraction may form over a shared interest in a particular subject or course being taught by the teacher.

Both the teacher and student may be dealing with troubles in their lives, which could form an emotional alliance.

She says that bond can lead to inappropriate behavior between the teacher and student.

Dautrich says teachers must create strict professional boundaries between themselves and their students, while also maintaining a healthy involvement in their lives.