Ethics Training Part 3: Student Discipline and Teacher Anger Management

Overview

• Focus on the importance of student discipline and anger management in fostering supportive educational environments.
• Discuss handling student discipline issues and teachers' personal responses to discipline.
• Impact of teacher actions on student achievement and behavior.

Objectives

• Explore strategies to create supportive learning environments.
• Identify techniques for de-escalating confrontations.
• Identify techniques for disengaging challenging behavior.

Educators Code of Ethics

• Goal: Protect safety and welfare of Texas school children and personnel.
• Texas Administrative Code 247.1 guides teacher ethics.
• Teachers are role models and need to lead by example.

Key Points

• Teachers must stop verbal or physical abuse and must not abuse students.
• Compassionate teachers transform lives; students imitate teachers.

Strategies for a Supportive Learning Environment

1. Implement a Classroom Management Plan
   • Texas Education Code 37.083 requires a discipline management plan.
   • Define acceptable behavior from the first day, with clear, consistent, and fair rules.
2. Create Authentic Student Engagement
   • Use student-centered learning to engage students actively.
   • Group work allows students to interact and reduce fidgetiness.
3. Model Positive Behavior
   • Teachers as positive role models foster a safe and caring environment.
   • Stay calm amid negative student behavior.

Teacher Anger Management

• Teachers have control over their emotions and responses.
• Importance of maintaining control even on bad days.
• Anger is a healthy emotion but must be controlled to avoid destructive outcomes.

Strategies for Managing Teacher Anger

• Count to 20 before responding.
• Think before acting; ensure responses are appropriate and professional.
• Listen effectively and remain assertive, not aggressive.
• Avoid power struggles and aim to de-escalate situations.

De-escalation Techniques

• Avoid questioning, accusing, or arguing with students.
• Maintain calm and professional body language.
• Offer students a path to saving face.
• Remove students temporarily if necessary for cooling off.

Challenging Behavior Management

• Use disengagement tactics for normal disciplinary problems.
• Remain calm even if verbal behavior escalates.
• Seek immediate assistance if behavior poses safety risks.

Consequences of Losing Control

• Potential disciplinary actions: restriction, reprimand, suspension, or revocation of teaching certificate.
• Chapter 249.3 of Texas Administration Code on abuse consequences.

Final Thoughts

• Teachers are the decisive element in the classroom and must manage their behavior and reactions.
• Complete the assessment based on this training module.