help! How to squeeze low-level interference without feeling like a villain?
Dear, we are teachers.
I am a teacher with solid classroom management skills, at least I used to be. This year, my fifth grader is in a low-level interruption: side chat, blur, phone sneaky, generally uneasy. There wasn’t something big enough to write a recommendation, but enough to make every class feel like I was just giving up on the chaos. I tried approaching, calling home, and even reworking my seat map twice. The worst part? I feel like I spent all my energy being “strict” and it’s not me, it’s very tired. How do I manage without losing my mind or becoming a teacher I swear I will never be?
– Stand (almost)
Dear SSB,
Oh, friend, you’re not imagining it: low-level destruction is everywhere Now, this is the extra drainage because it is a thousand pieces of paper death. There is no huge explosion to deal with and keep moving forward, just a constant buzz of chaos that gets you in trouble.
First, know this: You are not a “bad” teacher because they find this exhaustion. It’s tiring because it yes exhausted. It has nothing to do with you “losing the touch”. Kids have higher energy, lower endurance, and more attention in their pockets than ever before.
Some strategies to try:
Finally, allow yourself to give up the idea of “strict” automatically expressing “despicable”. The boundary is kind in a chaotic environment. You are not the teacher you swear to never be – you are the one that students need now.
Dear, we are teachers.
I’m totally losing money. Our school has had no soap in the student or teacher bathroom for weeks. I brought it to my principal and her answer was, “You can bring your own.” I wasn’t crazy about funding basic hygiene from my own pocket, especially when the school should provide everyone. I’m also worried about what this means for students’ health. How can I postpone it without becoming the “that” teacher?
– All rinsed, no foam
Dear Arnell,
Ha ha. No.
This isn’t some weird Diva request, it’s basic health and safety. This is not only for you, but also for every student and staff in the building. The CDC wants a word.
This is how I handle it:
- Record everything. When you ask, the date you noticed and the response you received.
- Alliance Loop If you have one. Lack of soap can easily be structured as a workplace safety issue.
- Talk to mom. Sometimes emails from good parents get results faster than teachers ask.
I mean “sometimes.”
Dear, we are teachers.
I am the team leader of our 11th Grade English team. There is an older gentleman on our team – a 35-year-old soldier who always remembers and uses the name of a male teacher, but rarely uses the name of a female. Instead, he calls us something like “that tall blonde” or “girl teaching next to the library.” When I went over to correct him and asked him to use our actual name, he either avoided saying it outright or avoided them being wrong and sometimes repeated. He still only calls me the “Chief”! My principal gave me the advice of “grinning”, but some of the new teachers on our team were rightly offended. I have any choice besides gritting my teeth until he finally decides to retire?
– She must be named correctly
Dear swmbcn,
Ah, the colleague “forgot” his name, but never forget a condescending nickname. I see you. I understand why you and your new colleagues are frustrated.
My first two thoughts are the possibility of forgetfulness and/or Mandarin, or face blindness. However, since the teacher uses all male teachers’ names correctly, it does carry the optics of selective memory situations.
That is, bringing the teacher the benefits of questioning and having the conversation first. I’m sure, “Hey, George. George. You’ve taught here for so long and met so many teachers. But I want to talk to you about the patterns I noticed. You seem to remember all the male teachers’ names, but no female teachers. Is that what you realize?”
Saying this opens the door for calm, non-confrontational dialogue and makes him responsible for reflecting rather than becoming defensive immediately. From there, you can strengthen the behavior you expect: If he forgets, you will prompt him – but he has to use the correct name (e.g., “Her name is Amy.” “Oh yes. Sorry. Sorry. Amy.”))))))))))))))))))
What shouldn’t you do? Ignore it completely. You are modeling newer teachers on the team so that they don’t have to accept “that tall blonde” for the next 35 years.
Do you have a burning problem? Send us an email at AskWeareTeachers@weareteachers.com.
Dear, we are teachers.
AI tools are everywhere now, and I see the rise of student submissions produced by AI, even my simplest short answer to “know you”! I’ve asked the administrator’s question, but the response is vague and non-transactional, for example, “We’re still figuring out the policy.” At the same time, it feels like I expect me to cheat myself. I want to be fair, but I don’t want to let the dishonest slide either. What strategies can I use to deal with AI cheating and how can I provide stronger support for schools this year?
– Robots are winning
