Use the school behaviour policy

Summary

This YouTube video excerpt offers advice to teachers on classroom management, specifically emphasizing the importance of consistently adhering to the school’s behavior policy. The speaker argues that following the policy, even if flawed, fosters consistency and strengthens the school’s overall approach. While acknowledging the possibility of poorly designed policies, the speaker suggests working within the system to improve it or, as a last resort, leaving a school with an unworkable policy. The video also advises teachers to implement additional classroom rules as long as they don’t contradict the school’s policy. Ultimately, the core message is that consistent application of the school’s behavioral guidelines is paramount for effective classroom management.

Time-stamps

  • 0:33-1:44: Teachers should familiarize themselves with and adhere to the school’s behavior policy.
  • 1:45-3:04: If behavioral issues arise, teachers can ask the school administration for support, as they are ultimately responsible for providing a safe learning culture.
  • 3:05-4:34: Teachers should follow the behavior policy even if they disagree with it. Consistency in implementing the policy is more effective than individual teachers picking and choosing which rules to enforce.
  • 4:35-6:00: Teachers can suggest changes to the behavior policy if they find it ineffective. They can work with other staff members to show the leadership the results of the current policy and advocate for changes.
  • 6:01-7:05: Teachers can establish additional rules and routines for their specific classrooms, as long as they don’t conflict with school-wide policies.
  • 7:06-7:20: Teachers should leave the school if it is truly a bad fit and the administration is unwilling to address concerns about the school’s culture and policies.

What are the key implications for teachers in the classroom?

  • Teachers should familiarize themselves with and adhere to the school’s behavior policy. Even if they don’t agree with all the rules, consistency in enforcement across the school is crucial for effectiveness. Following the policy protects teachers by demonstrating their efforts to manage behavior. If behavioral issues arise, teachers can then ask the school administration for support and alternative solutions.
  • Teachers can suggest changes to the behavior policy if they find it ineffective. They should document the results of implementing the policy and share them with the school leadership to advocate for improvements.
  • Teachers can establish additional rules and routines for their specific classrooms, as long as they don’t conflict with school-wide policies. This allows them to create a structured and organized learning environment tailored to their subject and students.
  • Teachers should leave the school if it is truly a bad fit and the administration is unwilling to address concerns about the school’s culture and policies. However, this should be a long-term goal after attempts to improve the situation from within have been exhausted.

The source emphasizes the importance of a unified approach to behavior management in schools. By following the school’s behavior policy and working collaboratively with colleagues and administrators, teachers can contribute to a positive and productive learning environment for all students.

The speaker emphasizes that a unified approach to behavior management within a school, where everyone follows the same policies, is critical to its effectiveness.

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