Student Behavior and Motivation: Teacher Concerns
Teachers have been expressing concerns about student behavior and motivation, as well as the sustainability of the profession.
- “Several 7th graders were goofing around in the hall after the tardy bell and I told them to go to class. One replied, ‘You’re not my teacher’ and they all resumed what they were doing. This is becoming standard. Do what you want. Ignore what you’re told and continue whatever.” –Middle School Teacher
- “I’m sick and tired of seeing teachers get bullied out of the profession every year and hearing that they didn’t have ‘good classroom management.’ So many times I’ve seen kids decide to get rid of a teacher by torturing them or forcing their resignation. It’s so bleak.” –Teacher in Pennsylvania
- “I think there are also teachers leaving bc they are tired of having to deal w/the consequences of a society that refuses to address the major structural issues that contribute to poor student behavior. We can’t fix it all, but we sure are expected to.” –Teacher in Virginia
- “There isn’t an appropriate age for a teacher/classroom adult to tell students to shut up in anger. I wouldn’t like it if someone said it to my four year old and I feel the same for the teenagers I’m responsible for.” –English Teacher in Texas
- “For those who say classroom management can be the challenge… what worked for me is introducing myself and asking the kids “how was your weekend” or “how many of you play sports” etc – 5 mins of getting to know them = smooth sailing 99% of the time #bcedchat” – Teacher in Vancouver, B.C, Canada