Classroom Management

    I expect, but do not take for granted, good behavior in the classroom. I believe that when respect is given to the students, it will be returned. There will be exceptions. Changing behavior does not happen quickly. Difficult behavior in class may be due to situations unrelated to school. Patience and compassion and needed, especially when dealing with challenging students, but I do not tolerate unsafe behavior.

    While I can not directly control a student's actions, I can do certain things that will effect respect, which in turn helps the student to cooperate with behavioral request. These include listening to the student, maintaining self-control, not "putting-down" a student, and no student directed sarcasm.

    Being aware of a team approach to classroom management is, in some instances, important. Consistency between the staff and faculty helps when dealing with especially difficult behavior. It is important to work within the disciplinary policies of the school, but also necessary to have flexibility within a behavioral plan.

    During graduate school I worked for two years as a substitute teacher, grades one through eight. I did not have difficulty with classroom management.