You would think at a school where students’ families pay tuition, and where the population is screened for those who can be successful in the program a teacher would never have a class with disrupters. But, alas, human nature does not acknowledge the parameters of a school’s policies and guidelines.
For the last few months, I have had one particular class with 2/9 of the students who had determined to disrupt my class. The reasons? Well, they normally earn A’s in all of their classes, but my math class was not working out that way for them. They also did not enjoy the class rules being so consistent. They made a constant effort to disrupt the flow of the class and to be as difficult as they could possibly be during teaching times, during work times and during their entry and exit from the classroom. I’m no slouch and not a novice teacher. I knew they were trying to push my buttons and get me to change. I won’t bore you with the extent of their efforts, but I will tell you that administration supported me fully. We continue to work together to eradicate their behaviors and to redirect them toward acceptable behavior. It took a ton of extra effort, time and energy, which played a part in my posts being absent, but it was worth it. (except for the part where I missed talking to you!)
Here’s how I made it!
- Determine that you will prevail. For me, that seems obvious, but you truly need to determine that you will prevail for the benefit of the learners in your class and for the benefit of those disrupters. I can not afford to capitulate and give to you a lower standard of academics, or an inflated grade, when I know the future you will need what I am teaching you, not just about math, but about perseverance and dedication and the hot word of the year – grit. I know that future you will not appreciate having had a teacher that dumbed down the workload to fit a young teen’s desires. I know that future me will lose my self respect if I capitulate with regard to academic and behavioral standards. This determination is not limited to the students. Parents don’t like their children to be unhappy, and they let you know that they don’t want unhappy kids. You still need to determine to do what is right.
- Dedicate yourself to being consistent in your class procedures and consequences. I mean consistent. Don’t get rattled. Don’t get emotional. Don’t let anyone think you are bothered. Be level. Be consistent. Yes, it can be annoying to send a student to the office, especially if the behavior doesn’t seem egregious when written on a form, but is egregious when you see it first hand.
- Deal with each one as students who will do right. Show concern for them whether or not is well received or appreciated. They are kids. They have a future self that will always remember and value the way you poured good things into them. And then wait. It will come. Sweet victory.
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