When a Student Is Misbehaving, the Teacher Needs to Make Sure the Student Is the Only One Misbehaving.

It is essential that we treat every student with respect and dignity every day. This is a pretty high standard, but teaching is a pretty high calling. When students are smart alecs, it is so easy to try to top them. We are clever and potentially feel challenged or like we are losing control. And sometimes when we respond inappropriately by yelling or using cutting sarcasm it does work – temporarily. However, the result is a short-term win – and potentially a long-term loss. By treating students – or our own children – in this manner, we are telling them that is how we want them to treat others. We are saying that this is how we hope they behave.