Today I’ll like to look at leadership in the classroom. I’m considering the teacher to be the one in the leadership position here.
How can I lead in the classroom without becoming bossy or lousy? I’ll like to share my experiences in this area.
First of all we need to know a few truths about the youth we have under our care.
- Students neither like nor have any respect for dictatorial teachers.
- They are suspicious when you become too bossy.
- They want to be heard and not seen only.
- They want to be understood and not hated when they make jokes.
- Undeserved punishment will provoke very negative reactions.
- They are comfortable with teachers who sometimes come down to their level of experience without losing their own dignity.
- They like teachers who are firm but just in their decisions; they respect such leaders.
- Most of them are always trying to self-assert. They need to be understood and guided.
So, how do I manage my classroom as a teacher/leader in the face of the above reality?
- Be just, but be respectful in your justice.
- Establish the rules and never back down because you feel threatened.
- Be firm, but avoid unjustifiable punishment.
- Relax, smile and contribute in the joke, even when you are the target.
- Know when to get out of the joke into more serious issues.
- Don’t try to portray yourself as the superman who never makes mistakes; they will help you make some, and then they will laugh at you.
- Show compassion to those who deserve it without provoking pity for them.
- Be the example or model, but without too much self-publicity.
- Give them their required dose, and don’t promise what you can’t afford.
- Don’t try to please everyone. Strive to give everyone what they need.
Good luck in your teaching career. Have a positive impact on the future generation.
Leadership and Purpose 