Choose Your Battles Carefully

Getting Through the Day

I have have had the opportunity to observe a number of teachers in their classrooms. One thing I notice is that some teachers spend a significant amount of the day correcting behavior. I remember going to a seminar for Special Education Teachers. One of the things they wanted us to practice was ignoring students who attempt to derail the lesson with outbursts and so forth. I am a firm believer in consequences and repercussions. I am also a firm believer in positive reinforcement and rewards.

I let the students know this and make it explicit as I can that the choice is up to them. At the same time, I am not a petty dictator, seeking to correct every little misstep a student makes. Teachers have choices to make too. One person does something wrong and the whole class has to miss out on a game or activity? That is not fair. The offensive student dealing with the consequences of their actions is fair. As a substitute teacher, you do have a responsibility to uphold the classroom rules and school culture. However, choose your battles carefully.

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