Discipline Plan

            In my classroom, respect will be of the utmost importance.  There is no room for negativity.  Students will be taught and then will practice how to participate in a healthy and constructive discussion.  Students will also learn how to be respectful audience members when there are presentations or performances.  Respect takes on several meanings especially when applied to the teacher.  I expect students to arrive on time and when the bell rings, they should be in their seats and quiet, ready to learn.  Students know that they will be marked tardy even if they arrive a minute after the bell.  I will not accept late work unless students have been absent in order to instill a sense of responsibility.  Also, when I am teaching, I will expect all eyes on me and pencils down.  I’ve learned that if students can listen and pay attention the first time, then the teacher will not have to repeat directions.

            It is extremely important to start the school year with a clear set of rules and expectations.  I will be especially professional, strict, and firm the first month or so that my students know that I mean “business.”  It is essential to establish order and routine because students need a sense of stability.  They need to feel comfortable and safe under the teacher’s management.  I do not mean the classroom environment needs to be sterile and perfectly under control.  Certain ground rules must be set.

            Every school has its own disciplinary protocol and every teacher must adapt to fit the school’s model.  At the beginning of the year, I do think I will give referrals and detentions (for students who are out of line) so that the students will see the seriousness of the consequences.  However, I am not an advocate of punishment.  I believe that most, if not all, matters can be settled within the classroom, that if students are actively learning and involved, that there really should not be disciplinary issues.  For students who act out or who are distracted, it is the teacher’s responsibility to guide them towards refocusing and re-channeling their energies into schoolwork.  Often students need to be talked to personally because every student and circumstance is unique.

            Being firm but kind as an effective instructor is how I would like to be described by my students.  I will strive to show no favoritism and to allow equal opportunity for success in my classroom.