The real purpose of this post is to vent a bit. I keep getting mixed signals at work. We had a meeting a few weeks ago about discipline. I think the meeting went pretty well and it helped me understand why we have so much paperwork. It's really so that we have proof that we tried talking to the student, we moved the student's seat, we spoke with the parent, and the behavior continued. In the meeting they emphasized that we really should take care of behavior issues "in house" when possible and to only write referrals when absolutely necessary. So I leave thinking to myself, "Ok, I need to make sure I have all my ducks in a row before I write a referral. If the student is not working and is only distracting one other student then I need to call home before any referrals."
Fast forward to yesterday. One of our instructional coaches observed two of my classes. I first should say that this IC is awesome. She is very good at giving constructive criticism. I feel like she really balances compliments and suggestions for improvement. After I talk with her I have a clear idea of the next steps to improve my classroom. So as I said, she observed two of my classes on Friday. I had a group of about 4 students who were not working and just chatting most of the class. I spoke with them multiple times, I offered to help them, I pointed out that they were already behind and now were going to have more work to do at home. I even moved their seats. Nothing convinced them to start their work. After the class the IC pointed out to me that if she had been the teacher she would have given them referrals because they were at the point that they were being insubordinate.
Now I am confused. At what point do I write a referral and kick out the student? I think that I'm waiting too long because I have made literally hundreds of phone calls/e-mails to students' parents this school year. I have done my best to keep up with the paperwork on the behavior issues. The IC offered to make a poster that outlines the consequences of the students not following instructions/not behaving. I told her I really wanted the poster because it would remind me that if I've given the student a warning, moved the student, and spoke with the student about their behavior and it persists then it's time for a referral. I am spending too much time trying to get students to comply and it's taking away time that I could be using to help the students who are willing to attempt the work I assign.
This was probably a really boring read if you are not in education. Hopefully you understand that this is my job; it's what I spend most of my day doing. I'm almost at the point where I am no longer considered a new teacher. I think most people agree that after five years you are an experienced teacher and this will be my fifth year. At the same time I'm in my first year teaching math. Oftentimes it makes me feel like I'm in my first year again. What really counts is that I truly believe I am continuously becoming better at my profession. I can't ask for more than that.
-Clare G. S.
