Saturday, May 19, 2012
When is punishing students too much?

Teachers have the arduous task of teaching their content and handling a classroom filled with children. No matter the age of these children, they will always come from varying cultures, values, languages, religions and educational experiences. With so many personalities in one room, it is expected that behavioral issues will play a part in the learning environment. A teacher with effective classroom management skills and strong instructional strategies can create opportunities for students to engage in thoughtful learning opportunities. The rules in the classroom may be different than the rules that children are expected to obey from their parents. Despite these differences, every school or teacher has some common expectations such as arriving to school on time, bringing supplies, raising one's hand to speak, completing classwork and homework, listening to the teacher and treating everyone respectfully. Despite these expectations, there is bound to be instances where children break the school or teacher's rules. Case in point: A Zephyrhills High School science teacher faces dismissal amid allegations that she used a "cone of shame" dog collar to discipline students. Pasco County schools superintendent Heather Fiorentino has recommended firing physical science teacher Laurie Bailey-Cutkomp, 47, for putting the collar — the type used to prevent animals from licking themselves after surgery — on at least eight of her ninth-graders on two days in April. Despite the challenges of the profession, it is never appropriate to treat children in a demeaning, humiliating or disrespectful manner. Thanks to the thousands of teachers who conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner!