I think I've said it once or twice... or a hundred and fifty times. Teachers need support. Teachers need the support of administrators and parents. Nothing is more damaging to classroom management than to have an atmosphere of believing everything a child says and nothing that a teacher says. When the adult is viewed as guilty until they can prove their innocence, respect flies right out the window.
First, parents need to remember the things they said and did as a child. They weren't perfect. No one is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. Sometimes those trips down memory lane will cause you to cringe in shame, but maybe it will make you wake up and realize that the teacher is telling the truth. Maybe you'll realize that your child is human. Growing up. Making mistakes. Learning.
Second, parents, please deal with the situation appropriately. Don't waste time defending your child or making up excuses. Cooperate with the teacher on a suitable consequence. Make this a learning experience. Not a battle that everyone loses.
Thirdly, administrators...be brave. Don't let parents scare you. Support your teachers. Speak clearly, kindly, but firmly. Don't try to be the good guy. It isn't in your job description to be best buds with the parents. Do your job. Don't throw the teacher under the bus.
Fourth, teachers present a clear and reasonable strategy at the beginning of the school year. Not after the fact. Let everyone know, up front, your expectations. And your consequences. Then be consistent and fair. Develop a routine of contacting parents on a regular basis. With good news. And bad. Invite parents/guardians to be a part of your classroom. I think they're calling it transparency these days.
And let's not forget the support staff. Please don't undermine the teacher. If a child is receiving a punishment, don't try to coddle them or make them feel like they were right and the teacher was an old meany for making them walk laps or make a phone call home. Yes, kids need someone that will listen to them, but they also have to understand that misbehaviors have consequences.
Here are three great reads about school behavior. Prepare to read the truth. Bold. Not exactly pleasant for the faint of heart. But brave and gutsy. Real. This real-life comparison was written by someone who started teaching back in the day - same year I started. We may be 'old-timers' but often the experienced ones have answers. Remember how you were told to treat your elders...
The second is a courageous letter written to parents. Love! Love! Love! It! As for the syndrome of entitlement... read this!
It is spring!!!
 |
| Umbrellas |
 |
| One of my favorites! |
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
Prize: $100 Teachers Pay Teachers Gift Card
Giveaway Organized by: Kelly Malloy (An Apple for the Teacher)
Co-hosts: An Apple for the Teacher, Resource Room Relevance, Kelly McCown, Star Kids by Naomi, The Chocolate Teacher, Samson's Shoppe, Mrs Wenning's Classroom, A Plus Kids, It's a Teacher Thing, Teacher Gameroom, MM Bilingual, Priscilla Woodard - Tasked 2 Teach, TheBeezyTeacher, Kari Hall, Kamp Kindergarten, Teach Me T, Chocolate 4 Teachers, Mr L's Classroom, The Fun Factory, The Literacy Garden, The Froggy Factory, Fourth Grade Frenzy, and 180 Days of Reading.
Rules: Use the Rafflecopter to enter. Giveaway ends 4/13/19 and is open worldwide.
Are you a Teacher Blogger or Teachers pay Teachers seller who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your store and social media? Click here to find out how you can join our totally awesome group of bloggers!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Privacy Policy
This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on May 25, 2018. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com
No comments