Returning after extended Leave-students won't behave

Join Teachers.Net

Chatboards

Recent Groups

Classroom Mgmt

MEMBERS

25 Members

+ Join Group

Pinned Posts

ALLAll Teachers

Teachers.Net LIVE CHAT Support group - Tues eve!

Featured Jobs

Full-timeMontessori Teacher

Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada

TemporaryTeachers, rural schools

Peace River North School District

Full-timeHead Teacher: 2nd/3rd Grades – Mills College Children’s School

Mills College

Teaching Jobs on Teachers.Net

Featured Job special only $39!

https://teachers.net/jobs

Become a Teachers.Net sponsor!

Classroom Management Chatboard

Returning after extended Leave-students won't behave

by Troy

Apr 25, 2012

Hello.

I was on an extended medical leave. As such, a long term sub began the Spring semester. We are on block schedule so they started the year w/ her. She has been teaching my classes for just under 3 months.

I have just returned and my classes are pretty much awful. I have been teaching for 6 years and have never seen such disrespect. I have tried explaining that I am their "regular teacher" but students continue to say things like "Mrs. ____ did like this, Mrs___ said that." As much as I want to tell them that I am their teacher and it is HER that doesn't do things correctly, this would just make me look petty.

They simply wont listen and have questioned me on everything. (behavior and teaching) I have contacted several parents and have begun enforcing discipline (referrals, etc.) This only seems to reinforce their "love" for the long term sub as well as their belief that I am evil and have no idea what I am doing.

The more I crack down, the wo...See More

Comment

(3)

report post

pixie - just a thought Not to excuse their bahavior, but this is an adjustment for the students, who undoubtedly are extremely babyish and understandably do not want to sudeenly be held to higher standards. Maybe you could have them to some kind of writing assignment, like a compare and contrast essay of you and the sub, or a fareewell letter to the sub. Or, have a TV in...See MoreNot to excuse their bahavior, but this is an adjustment for the students, who undoubtedly are extremely babyish and understandably do not want to sudeenly be held to higher standards. Maybe you could have them to some kind of writing assignment, like a compare and contrast essay of you and the sub, or a fareewell letter to the sub. Or, have a TV interview show where you are the guest and they take turns being the host, who can ask you questions submitted by the audience. Maybe that would help them put Mrs. Sub behind them and move on. I know it sounds silly and indulgent, but it might help them move on emotionally, because they are immature and cannot handle their feelings, so thtey are acting out like spoiled toddlers. Acknowledge that it is a difficult change for them because they were used to what she was doing, however this is now. you must adjust...blah blah. Be firm but in a kind way. Like you said you don't want to reinforce their feelings that she was an angel and you are the demon. Maybe add some rewards for good behavior. See Dr. Fred Jones PAT activities on his web site. Might help.

On 4/25/12, Troy wrote: > Hello. > > I was on an extended medical leave. As such, a long term > sub began the Spring semester. We are on block schedule > so they started the year w/ her. She has been teaching my > classes for just under 3 months. > > I have just returned and my classes are pretty much awful. I > have been teaching for 6 years and have never seen such > disrespect. I have tried explaining that I am their "regular > teacher" but students continue to say things like "Mrs. ____ > did like this, Mrs___ said that." As much as I want to > tell them that I am their teacher and it is HER that doesn't > do things correctly, this would just make me look petty. > > They simply wont listen and have questioned me on > everything. (behavior and teaching) I have contacted several > parents and have begun enforcing discipline (referrals, > etc.) This only seems to reinforce their "love" for the > long term sub as well as their belief that I am evil and > have no idea what I am doing. > > The more I crack down, the worse they are. > > Help. . . I've never had this problem. >

Apr 26, 2012

report post

Troy On 4/26/12, pixie - just a thought wrote: > Not to excuse their bahavior, but this is an adjustment for > the students, who undoubtedly are extremely babyish and > understandably do not want to sudeenly be held to higher > standards. Maybe you could have them to some kind of writing > assignment, like a compare and contrast essay of ...See More

Apr 27, 2012

report post

Vet Teacher On 4/25/12, Troy wrote: > Hello. > > I was on an extended medical leave. As such, a long term > sub began the Spring semester. We are on block schedule > so they started the year w/ her. She has been teaching my > classes for just under 3 months. > > I have just returned and my classes are pretty much awful.

How wer...See MoreOn 4/25/12, Troy wrote: > Hello. > > I was on an extended medical leave. As such, a long term > sub began the Spring semester. We are on block schedule > so they started the year w/ her. She has been teaching my > classes for just under 3 months. > > I have just returned and my classes are pretty much awful.

How were they before you left? You were three from September till the beginning of January?

This is puzzling - it's not as if you're a stranger to them. I can only think that this sub was one of those sometimes magical people who really establish deep connections with kids -it's rare but I've seen it.

Otherwise, I can't imagine why the students you taught for a full semester don't seem to remember you. How were things when you left? Had it been a good first semester?

Because it sounds to me as if your kids are angry - are they angry with you for having left? Did they know you were on medical leave or do they think you were on an extended world cruise having a grand old time?

Given the fact that calling their parents makes things worse, I wouldn't do that. The point of calling parents is to make things better.

And yes, the more you crack down, the worse it might get because you're dealing with anger - you can't punish anger away and if they have to stifle their anger, it will only make them more angry.

I'd not use the phrase 'regular teacher' - how old are these kids? They should know that you're their regular teacher.

But let's look at it from their point of view - they've been yanked around through no fault of their own. They're children and they've had two transitions forced on them. No student looks forward to their teacher switching around.

I'd address that - I'd explain why you left (minus personal details) and say that the entire time you were out, you looked forward to getting well so you could come back to be with them. Tell them you're sorry, even hurt, that they are so disappointed to see you back but that you are back and everyone (including you- tell them that) will have to make the best of it.

If you're able to bring yourself to serious consideration of how to soften this transition, ask each one of them to write down one thing they'd like to see changed in the class - but that can't be to have Miss Sub. back. That's not realistic but ask them each for one thing, promise to read them and take them seriously and that maybe you can put some of their suggestions into effect. Of course their suggestions have to be realistic - tell them that too - no ice cream parties every Friday.

You need to rebuild bridges with your students and help them to lessen their anger. Acknowledge openly to them that it's hard to switch teachers and that you're very sorry your illness made that necessary.

I > have been teaching for 6 years and have never seen such > disrespect. I have tried explaining that I am their "regular > teacher" but students continue to say things like "Mrs. ____ > did like this, Mrs___ said that." As much as I want to > tell them that I am their teacher and it is HER that doesn't > do things correctly, this would just make me look petty. > > They simply wont listen and have questioned me on > everything. (behavior and teaching) I have contacted several > parents and have begun enforcing discipline (referrals, > etc.) This only seems to reinforce their "love" for the > long term sub as well as their belief that I am evil and > have no idea what I am doing. > > The more I crack down, the worse they are. > > Help. . . I've never had this problem. >

May 1, 2012

report post