Do you spend time judging your students in the same manner in which you judge other people in your life? Some of them are good. Some are okay. Some are really bad. Some of them are just plain ugly. The influential teacher doesn't judge students for their naughty behavior. Instead, the influential teacher discerns the behavior of individuals in their classroom. Whatever is operating through the student when he is misbehaving is that same bad side that operates through you when you do wrong in your own life. How did you learn to distinguish the proper way to behave? Hopefully thoughtful adults--maybe parents or influential teachers--realized that you couldn't help your naughty self and patiently instructed you about the right way to conduct yourself in settings such as a classroom. This is the teacher's role as the moral authority in the classroom. Where parents have failed to do their jobs, you have to pick up the slack. Don't worry. You feel stress because you have judged that you shouldn't have to carry this weight. Once you realize that it is a noble responsibility to play this role, then you will take delight in making a difference in the lives of your students. You will be one of the few teachers your students remember. You will be an influential teacher.
For more tips go to
The Influential Teacher website.