In the classroom, I as the teacher may not like what the students read in their free time, but I should be happy they are reading at all. As far as the books that I assign, I do think that there are certain books and pieces of literature that should be read and analyzed. As an educator, I should always keep my students needs and interests above my own. If students are enjoying a particular piece of literature, I will make sure that we cover more of that type of literature. I should also allow the students to pick a book that they enjoy reading.
Students are in school to gain knowledge, and knowledge of all types.
If I pushed only one type of literature and never allowed the students to venture out on their own, I would only be harming them in the long run. All students learn at a different speed and in different ways. A teacher must always keep in mind the level at which they are teaching. When keeping the students in mind, I must be aware of their strengths and challenges. For example, when teaching Shakespeare, I would not ask an eighth grade class to read analyze Hamlet.