Classroom Discipline Beliefs

Minor Disruptions Minor disruptions such as talking out of turn, dazing off, passing notes, etc. will be typically dealt with by giving the student a stern look, moving toward the student, touching the student on the shoulder, or calling on the student. I believe that these minor disruptions need to be dealt with when they occur, but they should be dealt with in a manner that does not disrupt teaching and learning. If a verbal warning becomes necessary, I would do so, but it would be my last resort. On-Going Discipline Issues To handle on-going discipline issues, I would first talk with the student independently to try and figure out if there is a source or reason for the continued behavior. If, after talking to the student, the students behavior does not change, I would try to change the students environment. For example, if the on-going behavior is talking out of turn, I may move the students desk to a different location in the room. If the behavior continues to persist, I would then contact the parents/guardians to ask them for their support in order to correct the on-going behavior. I believe that having parents on board is essential. Their support can make a huge difference and their input regarding the behavior can also be extremely beneficial. If, after all of these attempts of correcting the behavior, the behavior continues, I would then call a conference with both the student and the students parents/guardians and try to develop the best possible behavior plan for the student. I would then have all participants, including the teacher; parents; and student, sign the behavior plan. Aggressive and Violent Behaviors If aggressive or violent behavior takes place in the classroom, it is, first and foremost, my responsibility to protect all students in the classroom, including the student displaying the behavior. If a student displays an aggressive or violent behavior, I would calmly remove the student from the situation and down to the main office. Before I left the room, I would find another adult to watch over the other students in the classroom. If, for some reason, this is not possible, I would quickly escort the student down to the office and return to the classroom as soon as possible. If a student is in the possession of a weapon of some sort, I would remove the other students from the situation as soon as possible. I would then try to talk the student into putting down the weapon. As soon as the student did so, I would remove the student away from the weapon or the weapon from the students reach and would contact the principal.