What do you think about the relationship between a teacher and a student?

 

The relationship between a student and teacher is, from the teacher's perspective, a professional one. The teacher's job is to be sure that the student, to the best of his/her ability, learns and makes progress in the field in which the teacher teaches. A teacher can be friendly with a student, but they can't be friends.

A teacher can help a student who is having difficulties in school by listening and perhaps making suggestions, but also by being sure to let others (school administrators, school counselor) know about the issues. The teacher cannot and should not take all of that responsibility onto him/herself. If a student is having trouble at home and confides in a teacher, the teacher can listen sympathetically and then suggest that the student see the school counselor. A teacher should not trespass into these areas--the student is only presenting one side of the story, of course.
 
In terms of communication, using the school email is the only way that is appropriate. Teachers should be comfortable telling students that they only check school email during the school day or up until a certain time so that students do not have unrealistic expectations about trying to contact a teacher. And the email should only be used for communications related to school work.

Now, this does not mean that students and teachers cannot or should not talk outside of class. I've had good conversations with students at lunch, at sporting and arts events, and at school social events when I've chaperoned. But the conversations are never personal.