"Those Classes"

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Home : 2004 : February : 19

"Those Classes"
By Cathy-Dee

It is difficult when you have a class like yours and they do move to other classrooms throughout the day. I've had classes like that and I had to learn over time that when other teacher's complained about my class they were
not complaining about me. We all know about those classes that just have more than their share of discipline problems.
I think your parents know that you are doing fine with their children. They know when their children are having difficulty and when they are not. And yes your student's behaviours do depend on the other teachers and their styles. I firmly believe that all teachers

can learn how to deal with these types of classes regardless of whether you get the class for most of the day or just once a week. You obviously have a style that suits these students and some of the other teacher's have not picked up on that style yet.

Does your administrator come into your class - what does he or she think about your management. Perhaps you should have a talk with them and let him or her know that you feel like you are being judged by how your student's behave in other classes although you realize that it is not being done intentionally. That you'd appreciate it if he could mention at some point when other teacher's are around at how well-behaved your students are while in your room.

Your adminstrator if he or she is good at their job will know how to handle the parent of the "good" child. Parents will always have perceptions of their child's classroom and teacher that are right and perceptions that are wrong. When a parent comes in and complains I would point out that for their child transitions are often difficult and yet they will need to learn how to manage transitions so you will continue to encourage them to behave in other classrooms as well as your own. Then mention how much their support is appreciated by you and their other teachers. If they still seem unhappy then recommend to them that they discuss things further with your administrator.

We all have years like this so don't let things get you down. Keep your thoughts on what you are doing right and as long as your administrator is happy and your class is learning then you are doing what you need to be doing. Then in future years when it's another teacher who has the "wild" class think back to how you are feeling this year and you can end up being a great support to that other teacher during their "hard" year.