You're facing power struggles with students. How can you maintain authority and respect in the classroom?

At the beginning of the school year, I always make sure to communicate my classroom rules and the consequences for not following them. This transparency creates a mutual understanding with my students about what is expected. Consistency is also critical - following through on enforcing those rules helps build trust, as students know what to expect from me and what I expect from them in return. It's not always easy, but establishing that foundation of clear expectations and consistency has really paid off in terms of managing my classroom effectively.

There's a difference between institutional authority and earned authority. Your teaching certification gives you institutional authority. It's a piece of paper. Your relationship with students gives you earned authority. Students will work with you because they trust that you are working in their best interest. Starting the year with a "rules and consequences" approach is relying on institutional authority. It won't get you past the first week. Invest the time to establish a creative and respectful learning environment WITH your students.

In my experience, building strong relationships with students is essential for maintaining authority and respect in the classroom. I always make an effort to learn about their individual interests, backgrounds, and learning styles. Taking that personal interest shows them that I care about them as people, not just as students. When students feel respected and understood, they are much more likely to respect my authority in return. And those strong relationships can help prevent conflicts from turning into power struggles in the first place. It takes time and effort, but fostering that connection with each student is so valuable for classroom management.

I would also add that "authority is service," and this works for me. When students feel that you understand them, respect them, and are ready to serve them, not in the sense of being servile, it's usually so shocking that they have no other choice but to reciprocate what they have experienced.

It is important to build cordial relationships with students. This master-servant dynamics that used to be the case in the educational setting is no longer effective. Teachers should not see themselves as dictators rather as collaborators with their students. When students are free with you, learning becomes more effective.

This is the reason I love the concept of reducing Teacher Talk when teaching. Teachers shouldn’t portray themselves as custodian of knowledge. There should be opportunity for students to share their opinions without judgement. You must accept the fact that you can also learn from them. Give them autonomy to make certain decisions.

- Set clear, consistent rules and expectations, ensuring that students understand the importance of these guidelines for a positive learning environment. - Approach power struggles with a calm and composed demeanor, avoiding confrontational tactics that can escalate tensions. - When addressing issues, take the time to listen to students’ perspectives, showing empathy and validating their feelings. - Use restorative practices to involve students in finding solutions and understanding the impact of their behavior. - Establish a rapport with students by showing genuine interest in their well-being and success. - Reinforce positive behaviors with praise and recognition, and apply consequences fairly and consistently when needed.

I always tell educators during coaching sessions that no one is allergic to affection. In almost all cases, when students are disruptive in class, it is an outlet for bigger battles they are facing and have not yet found a way to express. Showing that you really care breaks down all the walls.

Teachers must also be knowledgeable. Know the subject matter and know how to deliver it. To get to the point where you will allow students to share their opinions, they also want to know the person in from of them knows what he is doing. At a point in my teaching career the students I taught were older than I but because I am good at what I teach and they see that they learn new things every day, they have no choice but to submit and show respect. I also maintain boundaries.