For students to learn in class, all of them must behave.

This means they must not disrupt others by talking without permission, playing music that all can hear, walking around the classroom during instructional time, and interrupting a lesson to ask for something. Honestly, for years, I struggled with getting kids to respect these rules and for me to master classroom management. But with time, I understood what it took: Early on, establish relationships with kids, set rules and expectations for them, and depend on administrators to take care of the most unruly of them.

I teach high schoolers, who’ve already gone through years in the classroom, so this is nothing new to them. Yet, early in my career, a few managed to make my year miserable, and I was so disillusioned with teaching that I vowed I’d never step in a classroom again. But as fate would have it, I got a second chance to teach at a public school, and with the help of colleagues and administrators, I figured out what I needed to do to ensure a few defiant, attitude-prone kids would not destroy my class and prevent learning.

A recent article in Education Week provided more information on how to control naughty kids. The story explains how states are looking to social-emotional learning to combat student misbehavior, which has deterred teachers from staying in the profession. What this entails is teaching students how to manage their emotions, cultivate healthy relationships, and foster empathy. Missouri is developing SEL standards to address poor student behavior and improve school climates, and ultimately boost teacher morale.

I understand the benefits of understanding that children come from different social, economic and family backgrounds, and that learning might not be high on their agenda. I’ve catered to their lack of interest in academics by making it possible for them to pass my class by completing assignments even if they fail assessments. I believe that all children should learn to work in school, putting aside their personal problems in an attempt to get an education. Haven’t they learned since kindergarten to how to get along with other students and the teacher? By high school, they know the rules of what to do and not do in school, and should be held accountable for their actions. Yes, teachers should show empathy for a student who for whatever reason is acting up in class, but in no way, must it prevent other students from getting an education. After all, those students, who by the way are the majority of students in my class have rights too.