I am a young teacher (age 24) at an alternative high school... because of the student population I serve, several of my students are as old as 21... lately as I have built relationships with the students some have begun to ask my age... I feel like as their teacher they don't need to know personal things about me and that it would hurt the control I have over my class... but I don't know how to dodge the question without lying or seeming to be covering something up... any suggestions?

Try, "I'm older than you are." or "I'm old enough."

How about "You NEVER ask a lady's age" (assuming that you're female)?

Hi, happy2003!

Another thing that you might ask them is "Why do you need to know?"

Thanks!

I started teaching when I was 22. Now I'm 30 and I still tell my students everything about me, well almost everything. They know my first and middle names. They were involved in my wedding proposal and my students were invited to the ceremony. They also know that when the Yankees lose a playoff game I'm probably going to be grumpy the next day.

That being said... I teach 3rd grade. Since you teach at an alternative high school and you're worried about losing control, there's nothing wrong with "older than you" or "never ask a lady her age."

But just know that control doesn't come from an age difference. It comes from being stern, yet fair and sticking to your guns. Never bluff with a consequence that you're not willing to back up and use.