Administration

Classroom Management Strategies for New Teachers

Managing a classroom can be one of the most difficult challenges for new teachers. This aspect of teaching requires a great deal of practice. It’s possible for a teacher to be highly competent in his subject matter and creative in his teaching style, but not terribly skilled in managing a classroom. To effectively teach students, a teacher must first have everyone’s attention.

Doing Away with the Desire to be Liked

One of the more common challenges for new teachers is the desire to be liked by students. It’s a natural human need that is difficult to meet in educational settings. Not every student in the classroom will like the teacher. Some students have their own issues and hang-ups; they may resent authority or have emotional issues that interfere with having healthy human relationships. These types of issues can be problematic for a new teacher who is eager to please. New teachers should go into learning environments with the mission to keep the order, deliver information and draw out students’ capabilities. Whether a teacher ends up being popular with his students should not be a concern.

Establishing the Rules from Day One

The first day of school is difficult for any brand new teacher. There are only so many things that a teacher can prepare for in advance. Issues will come up that have never been encountered. Decisions will have to be made in each and every moment. One way to eliminate classroom disorder is to clarify the rules and express them on day one. Behavioral expectations in the classroom should be explained verbally and posted in writing. For example, small children should know where to line up for lunch and where to place their belongings as soon as they enter the class. Explaining these expectations at the outset will eliminate the need to voice the instructions repeatedly or to reprimand students.

Filed Under: Administration, Teachers Tagged With: Classroom, Education, Teacher

Who Decides on School Policies

Many parents, and even some teachers, are unsure how the policies and procedures in their schools came to be. The short answer is that local or state school boards have the final say on what schools can and cannot enact in the way of policy, but there is a process by which this happens. The school board is typically a committee of elected officials who focus on what should and should not happen within their specific school district. The board is usually led by a superintendent who functions like the CEO of a corporation. In short, the school board decides what should happen, while the superintendent decides how it should be accomplished.

School boards and superintendents typically work together to determine a school calendar, programs of study, appropriate text books for each class, and how many teachers they will need to employ. They may also set salaries and benefits for the teachers and staff of the schools in their district. Changes to policy in schools usually need to be brought before the school board, either at a scheduled or emergency meeting, where the members can review the facts and request and then vote their decision.

Of course, all school boards are held the laws of both their relevant state and the federal government, meaning that they cannot enact rules that are in contradiction to state or federal laws. This sometimes becomes a problem when the school encounters a situation not previously seen, but that can only be solved by finding an exception to the law in question. In these instances, members of the board will typically contact the state legislators to inform them of the problem, and then try to work together in order to fashion a solution acceptable to all parties involved. The solution is then brought up in local or state elections as a referendum or proposition.

Filed Under: Administration

Classroom Management Tips

Taking control of 30 or more young children in a small confined space is a daunting task for any person; having to also engage these children and facilitate their learning may be considered a gargantuan task. However, this is the fate of nearly every American public school teacher. Luckily, there are a number of useful tips that one can apply to managing a classroom successfully, without losing either temper or sanity.

Consistency is key in dealing with children for parents and educators alike. Children should be taught from the earliest opportunity what is expected of them and what repercussions they can expect for deviating from the advertised appropriate behavior. Teachers should make sure to also apply the same rules and guidelines, every day and to every student, with minimal allowances for extenuating circumstances. Of course, the same amount of attention should be given to exhibitions of good behavior. Children who provide the desired results should be praised often; this will both solidify the experience for the child in question, and also give an example to all other children at the same time.

Teachers who set a predetermined routine seem to have the most success in classroom management. When children know that they can rely on having time to work in groups, work alone and socialize, they are better able to deal with each part of their day. Rewards and incentives will also go a long way toward motivating your students. People are conditioned to work toward goals and avoid bad consequences; offering your students a clear explanation of both will help smooth out any questionable areas in their behavior. Finally, a positive attitude and a sense of humor on your part is essential for maintaining control of a large group of children. Being able to roll with the punches and deal with the unexpected is a skill that you will need to develop, and as quickly as possible for the best results.

Filed Under: Administration

The Changing Role of School Boards and School Administrators

School boards and school administrators were once only responsible for providing sound educational curriculum, school nutrition and student activities. The school environment has changed dramatically as violence among youths is skyrocketing. School administrators now have to contend with developing methods to provide a safe school environment. This challenge has changed the role of school administrators significantly. Many educators and administrators have had to obtain additional education to handle the violence in schools and violent youths. Many schools have chosen to involve law enforcement officials to help establish and implement new school programs to gain control over school violence.

Instituting and managing programs to circumvent school violence are complex and time consuming. Many schools struggle to provide an education with dwindling school funds. The cost of security and safety programs has caused many school administrators to sacrifice school activities in favor of safety. Administrators are challenged with finding the balance between protecting children from bullies while also finding ways to help the offender. Many schools have instituted a policy of immediate expulsion for any child that commits a violent act in school. This has led to an additional controversy school officials are forced to address.

If a child is expelled from school, where will the child receive and education? School administrators must contend with complex issues involving school violence and this takes its toll on the entire education system. Violence among children continues to escalate and this has left many schools to struggle on minimum budgets to find cost effective solutions.

School administrators have a daunting and difficult role that has grown in complexity. Schools have turned to parents and the community for support and solutions to develop measures to end school violence. Maintaining educational standards and providing a safe school system will continue to be a challenge for schools across the country. The role of school administrators will continue to change as they struggle to tackle this growing problem.

Filed Under: Administration, School Violence, Students Tagged With: Board of education, Education, Violence

School Bullying and Child Suicide

While many schools have developed anti-bullying policy, the bullying continues and many children have committed suicide. Suicide among young children was once a rare occurrence. So rare, the Center for Disease Control did not track suicide among young children. However, as violence among children increases so does suicide. School administrators have adopted stringent anti-bullying policies, however, the bullying continues on social networking sites. Children feel so helpless, they feel the only option for relief is suicide. Children as young as eleven years old have committed suicide because they could no longer cope with being bullied.

While school administrators recognize that bullying is a violent crime, they struggle to develop effective methods to prevent it. Protecting children from bullies is difficult for school officials and parents. The abuse occurs daily and is relentless. Social media sites have opened additional avenues for bullies to inflict harm on their victims. Children are terrified to speak up and most suffer silently. Bullies threaten children with physical harm and even death.

Many parents are shattered when they learn the misery their child had to endure. Much of the bullying is not perpetrated by one person. One child was bullied by a group of at least six people. She was bullied everyday at school, on her way home from school and on social networking sites. She eventually committed suicide at the age of 15. The six bullies are currently charged with contributing to her death.

It is time for communities, schools and parents to recognize that bullying is a violent crime that must be addressed immediately. Children must be provided a safe way to report such incidence and if necessary, be allowed to transfer to a different school. It is also important to recognize that group bullying is a growing trend and youth violence continues to grow.

Filed Under: Administration, School Violence, Students Tagged With: bully, Child, Social network service, Suicide

School Violence and Administrator Resposibilities

In today’s world, school violence has become a widespread problem. Simple acts of taunting and teasing can now lead to expedited violence, and many people blame school administrators for the increasing violence in our schools. The principal is often the first administrator blamed for acts of violence. Fortunately, the principal can take some steps to safeguard the students. Training Parents, Teachers and Students to End School Violence The school principal can establish a non-violent school through many means. Some violence prevention ideas include physical tactics, like installing metal detectors, however, the most effective means of establishing a non-violent school involve education. By involving and/or educating parents, teachers and students, principals can begin to address violence issues in the schools. One way to discourage violence is to involve parents. Children who receive parental support are less likely to bully and more likely to report inappropriate behavior, and potential violence can be discouraged through a partnership of children, parents, and school administrators. Another way to prevent school violence is to train teachers in effective means of conflict management. Teachers who are able to manage fights and disagreements in the classroom will contribute to resolutions and prevent violence. Also, counseling staff should be aware of students in need, of ways to assist needy students, and of the community resources available to students. In the same light, children should be trained in conflict managment. Arming the children with tools to dissuade, avoid or manage an argument will empower them to stop violence before it starts. Children should also be taught to respect others’ belongings and beliefs, because respect is the key to non-violence. In the fight against bullying and school violence, the most important tool is education. Parents who are equipped to address problems, teachers trained to manage conflict, and students who respect differences in others can together end school violence.

Filed Under: Administration, School Violence, Students Tagged With: School violence, Student, Teacher, Violence

Administrative Responsibilities and School Violence

Although principals are often blamed for school violence, teachers receive a large share of blame in shcool violence activities. Whether fair or unfair to administrators, teachers are now faced with the additional career struggle of diffusing violent behaviors. Thankfully, violence can be prevented if caught early, and there are many signs for which teachers can watch.

Signs of a Potentially Violent Student

Students who are in danger of becoming violent often feel alone, and in fact, these students may not have many or any friends. The potentially violent student may also have trouble controlling his feelings, may fight or argue regularly, and may threaten others. Also, an increase in drug or alcohol intake, a gang affiliation, and a fascination with weapons may indicate a student is leaning toward violence.

Students may also display a violent tendency if harming others, including animals, becomes a game or power conveyance. In the same line, a student who does not acknowledge others’ feelings or rights is in danger of becoming violent. Other signs of a violent student include poor grades or a decrease in grades and a withdrawal from normal activities or friends.

Teacher Responsibilities in Addressing the Student

Depending on school regulations, teachers may be advised to address a potentially violent student or to report the student’s behavior to the school counselor or principal. No matter what path the teacher must take, the important outcome of teacher involvement is to get the student the emotional and psychological help necessary.

Often, a teacher may not be equipped to address the psychological needs of a violent student, however, reporting the student to the appropriate administrator will allow school officials the opportunity to assist as soon as possible. A teacher who is equipped with a counseling background may assist the student to psychological healing.

Now required to identify and assist potentially violent students, teachers can avert violence and encourage a safer learning environment.

Filed Under: Administration, School Violence, Students Tagged With: School violence, Student, Teacher, Violence

Administrative Responsibilites and School Violence

In the war on school violence, counselors can play an integral part in assisting the potentially violent student. However, before they can assist a troubled student, counselors need to recognize signs of violent students. Then, the counselor will need to take steps toward helping the student re-establish lost connections, control feelings of anger, and acknowledge the worth of every single being. Identifying a Potentially Violent Student Although counselors will depend heavily on teachers to point out troubled students, counselors should also watch for any signs of violent tendencies, such as the following: – Feeling outcast or alone – Not identifying with a group/not having many or any friends – Fighting or arguing often – Taking risks – Vandalizing property – Hurting animals – Planning to hurt others – Drug or alcohol abuse – Fascination with weapons – Decreased grades/poor performance – Distancing oneself from former friends or activities Addressing Troubled Students Students leaning toward violence should be addressed as soon as the counselor is aware of the child’s tendencies. The child should be removed from class, and a thorough psychological assessment should be administered. A student who is a danger to himself or to others should be taken to the appropriate care facility immediately. A child who is not an immediate danger can receive school attention and guidance. The counselor should address the student’s issues through standard protocol and follow up as necessary. Also, involving the parents is one key toward the child’s recovery. By showing parental concern and adult involvement, the parents and counselor can together influence a child away from violent tendencies. Recent research has also suggested that developing analytical-thinking skills in children can decrease violent tendencies. A child who can solve a problem by thinking outside the box will feel more able to address issues in a non-violent manner. Overall, a child with violent tendencies can begin to think in a non-violent manner with the proper direction and parental participation.

Filed Under: Administration, School Violence Tagged With: Child, Parent, Student, Violence

Principal Duties

: Image by Getty Images via @daylife

When most of the adults today were in grade school, it was a different world. Grade school teachers could discipline the students as they saw fit. This included a smack in the head, a ruler across the knuckles, and most of us are not sure what happened when someone was sent to the principal. Corporal punishment is no longer allowed in schools. As with anything, it very easily got out of hand and sometimes punishments bordered on abuse. The role of administration was to reinforce what the teachers did or said. There were very few student rights and for the most part we kept our mouths shut. Lucky for students today, this is no longer the case. There are now very specific guidelines on the disciplinary actions taken towards students.

Obviously, the role of the school administrators has changed dramatically. Not only are they responsible for the actions of the students, they are also directly responsible for the actions of their teachers. The screening process for teachers today is much more rigorous, and the administration has a huge job. What is the right thing to do? What are the right questions to ask? What do I do if there is an incident? These are all questions school principals ask themselves on a daily basis.

Now there is principalconnections.org. This site can answer the tough questions. It is very easy to navigate to different places for professional answers to their questions. In these days where school violence has gotten out of control, principals and administrators have a daunting responsibility to students and parents, as well as their teachers. Help is here, the research has been done, the law is noted. Every principal has a responsibility to protect the students, and at the same time, to trust in his or her faculty and protect their rights as well. They are striving every day for a safe and educational experience for everyone in the school.

Filed Under: Administration Tagged With: Education, Educators, Elementary school, Head teacher, K through 12, Middle school, Student, Teacher

The Wide Range of School Administration Topics

School administrators confront a number of different responsibilities in their jobs. Few careers present such a wide range of challenges. An administrator must be a surrogate parent, a support team member, an executive, a statistician, a disciplinarian and an educator all at the same time!

School administration topics start at the front door. Administrators often become the public “face” of their schools. They generally handle media contact and community outreach efforts. When parents have complaints, questions or issues, they talk to administrators.

Most administrators also provide administrative support and related assistance to their schools’ educators. When teachers need a helping hand, an interpretation of policy or almost anything else, their first stop is usually at an administrator’s office!

These days, one of the most important school administration topics involves the collection and delivery of legally required data to students all over the globe. Laws like the so-called “No Child Left Behind Act” have created a substantial documentation burden because schools and administrators are responsible for a great deal of the paperwork for hundreds of thousands of children each year. Administrators have additional documentation burdens, too. If you hate paperwork, you should probably avoid a career in school administration as you will be facing lots of it!

School administrators rarely have predictable days. The wide range of job responsibilities and the always unpredictable character of schools make it hard to know what one’s day will bring. School administration is a challenging profession. The nature of that challenge is one reason why administrators do tend to make more money than rank and file teachers.

Anyone interested in a career in school administration will probably want to have experience as an educator. He or she will also need an appropriate educational background. School administrators generally have advanced degrees. An informative website like onlineeducation.com can provide you with a clearer idea of what’s required to earn a masters or doctoral degree in Education.

Filed Under: Administration, Students Tagged With: Administration, Education, No Child Left Behind Act