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Describe your discipline philosophy. Do you think you are disciplining in a way that nurtures your students?
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I start by talking to the student on his or her appropriate behavior in course and how God says we should obey authority, and I will also give examples of some biblical characters who obeyed and encourage the student to emulate such biblically characters.
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I prefer to be able to build a relationship with a student before discipline comes up. This helps the student to know that the discipline comes out of a desire to see them grow and improve.
I like for discipline to focus on correction and restoration. It is an opportunity to point students to our need for the Savior and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit as well.
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My discipline philosophy is that discipline should lead to repentance with the goal of training in righteousness. I have worked with students from PK – 12th grade and it is always my goal for them to understand what it is they are being disciplined for and to lead them to a place of repentance. Then they know they are accountable to turn from that behavior or attitude and make it right with those they’ve wronged. I emphasize that Christ died for our sins and use it as a teaching point to share the gospel.
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The first day in course I always point out that I am a flawed person just like all of them. I explain I do not expect perfection. I also explain that if I write someone up and discipline someone it is not a reflection on how much I like or dislike the student it is simply enforcing the rules and policies so we can have productive courses. My first year of teaching at the school I am at the freshman course had a chip on their shoulder and felt they were the “bad course.” The most encouraging thing I heard from them at the end of the year was they said they appreciated that I held them accountable but did not make it personal. They said they appreciated that when discipline was dealt out it was done after that and they could still come and talk to me later.
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I let my students know we are all sinners in need of God’s grace. Not one of us will keep the rules at all times, and that is okay. When I have a student who is really struggling with remorse, I always tell them, “Hey, no one is perfect but Jesus”. I do confess, I have not always disciplined to nurture. I have lost my cool and just yelled, but I have gone back and apologized to the students involved. I am honest with them and tell them that yes, even Mrs. Dandurand struggles with self-control. I post my classroom expectations on the first day of school. I also have my students sign them, kind of like an agreement. I try my best to be consistent and fair.