Sure we’ve all said stuff we didn’t intend to say. Heck, anyone who’s read my blog for the last two months knows that I have! (read more)

You hit the nail on the head with your last comment. It’s not so much the teachers saying dumb stuff (we all do). The biggest concern here is that the teachers have somehow given the students an understanding that a culture of disrespect is acceptable in the classroom.

I used to have that problem. I was fortunate I never did anything that I really regretted like fighting with a student or something. But I then learned that arguing is not normal. That kind of behavior wasn’t tolerated any longer.

The thing is, none of these teachers looked like they were in their first few years of teaching. The problem is that they are simply out of touch with the students and with the reality of what is going on in their classrooms.

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What horrified me was how many of these teachers do not seem to get the idea that you do not argue with a student. As a former colleague used to say: “Never wrestle with a pig. The pig enjoys it and you just get dirty.” That was the exact mistake I used to make as a new teacher.

As I improved as a teacher, my line became, “I’m not going to argue with you. If you wish to discuss it further, I’m here after school and before school.” This eliminates the show and still provides an avenue for legitimate concerns.

At the same time, I also cannot imagine classrooms like what I saw here. I’ve been shown blatant disrespect. I’ve been yelled at. I’ve had classes get rowdy. I’ve never had a class act like what I saw here. I can’t imagine teaching in a classroom where kids feel free to act this way.

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