a Middle School Business Teacher
Rising Star
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Wearing to work today
For PwC fishes who left recently, how did you consolidate wealth builder into 401k within benefits express to avoid the 20% federal tax withholding that was described in the benefits package? I tried to do this online but it didn’t show as an option except to rollover to an existing IRA or take a final distribution. Do I need to call benefits express?
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How to deal with it? Flat out tell them that it’s not allowed in your classroom, whether directed at you or anyone else. Respect, is my only classroom rule. And then really crack down on it. Even if good friends jokingly say “Shut up” to each other, hit them with “We don’t use negative language in this room. Here, we lift each other up. If you want someone to be quiet, say, ‘“Please be quiet.’” And follow through. There are times it’s going to feel like it will never happen, but stick with it.
It’s going to take a bit—it took one class of mine half the year—but they will get better if you’re firm and consistent.
Be firm. Be no-nonsense. Don’t shout, but be heard. Just tell them in an even as voice as possible on the day you start it, “That is not allowed. In this room, we are a learning community. We support each other. We lift each other up. Our one rule is respect—for each other, for me, for this room. And it starts right now.” I have found that if you keep your sentences short and punchy, it drives the message home.
Another thing is to use the word “respect” frequently. When someone is talking who shouldn’t be: “So-and-so is speaking. Please respect them and listen.” “Please respect my room and push in your chairs to keep it neat.” “We don’t say shut up; we respect each other and ask them to please be quiet.” And so on. “Respect” is a magic word. 😉
That is so hard! I try to remind myself to not take it personally. They are kids and their attitudes have more to do with whatever it is they are dealing with than it does with us as their teachers. Middle school is a tough time for kids during the holidays. Many of them
are dealing with the loss of “christmas magic” because of their ages now, and it can be an overstimulating and overwhelming time for everyone. Hang in there!
Rising Star
Thank you. I know that there are some students who do not have Christmas at all or their lives are so shaken by life and circumstances.
Get your school counselor on board, schedule a in school meeting with the parents and principal.
Rising Star
I'm not sure that there is even a bit of a chance that would happen. It is typically considered bad classroom management or not following the Strategies for behavior.
Hopefully, they're in better moods after the break!
Rising Star
They move on to the next class in their rotation. I have one more week with them.
IGNORE THEM
Rising Star
Tried that, and it just gets worse. To the point I have been in tears everyday by the end of class
That is a difficult one. That’s a middle school teacher. I feel your pain because hatred and puberty hand-in-hand these days. Is the hatred pointed at you or is the hatred pointed at other children in the class cause I feel like those are two different issues you have to address in different ways
Rising Star
With one class it is me. Nonstop, from the minute they walk in until they leave. They also pick on one of the girls.
Mean kids suck. This may sound harsh but I speak from experience here: grow some confidence. YOU have a life outside work. YOU have an education. YOU don't have a crap family that maybe supports this behavior.
I'd bring in the "sad for you" sarcasm. Don't be nice. Be dismissive. "Oh, are you trying to hurt my feelings? What in the world makes you think I care what 12 year olds think of me? Sad panda, you must be so insecure. Do you need to talk to a counselor? I'm concerned about your mental health, little one."
Talk to them like little children, 5 year olds.
Also, "Sorry, no more XXXXXXX allowed in class. Y and Z and team have ruined it for everyone unfortunately." And then eat a donut out of a two dozen box...and then tell them you have to leave it in the teacher room because Y and Z have compromised being cool in class.
Even if you care, you have got to pull it together and act like you don't. They will steamroll you.