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Office Hours: |
Prefer evenings and weekend contact
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Course Meeting Times: |
n/a
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Course Description
This instructor believes that teachers should know how to defend themselves while doing their jobs. This course contains numerous suggestions that the teacher can use to automatically protect themselves against conflict with students and parents.
College courses, supervisors, administrators, and books all tell us what to do in the 'ideal' class situation. Well this may sound radical but very few teachers have an 'ideal' class situation. If you do, this course is not for you.
We have been cursed out, had spitballs thrown at us, been threatened, had money/wallets/purses/cell phone, etc. stolen from us..and in some cases, the parents seem to be teaching kids that "the teacher is the enemy". How do we deal with this new breed of students and parents?
The stern look does not work any more. They tend to say "ooo, she is screw-facing you!" and here comes the attitudes. They can't stay after school because "I have to get my bus". If you call home, there's a chance you will be blamed, yelled at, get someone who wants to ague or even get cursed out. If a student falsely accuses you of improper conduct, you can lose your reputation.
But still, the teacher is expected to be a total professional. You are not supposed to yell. You are not supposed to say "shut up" even after you have said "be quiet" or "stop talking" ten or twelve times. How do you defend and protect yourself?
This course is not optimistic. I am being realistic. Let's face it teachers, we have a job to do and it's getting more and more difficult. I am just a few years from retirement and wish to share some survival techniques with you. I will relate actual incidents, show how I defended myself, then analyze what I should have done. Defensive Teaching is a progressive technique. As you work through the course, you will notice my progression. I will also focus on techniques other teachers have used - that work! Once you finish this course, you can pull ideas and techniques from it that will fit your personality and beliefs. NO one will agree with everything discussed. But it won't hurt to try it. Something you learn in this course will work for you. If not, consider another profession (smile).
Course Requirements
Aside from internet access, the main requirement is a willingness to take advice and 'learn from experience' of others. Also helpful would be a willingness to listen and try methods that have proved to work for myself and other teachers. Persons taking this course should be dealing or preparing to deal with both traditional and non-traditional classroom settings.
Microsoft Word is the preferred software for any attachments e-mailed to me. However, Microsoft Works and Word Perfect are also aceptable. No additional items need to be purchased.
Taking my other class 'Steps To Classroom Control' is helpful but not mandatory.
Course Goals
The main goal of this course is a change of mind set. Too many teachers believe that verbal and physical abuse comes with the job. It does not have to be that way. Students taking this course will develop a sense of self-confidence and self-control for dealing with at-risk students, without risk to person or property.
Course Materials
School district discipline policy
Individual School discipline policy
Teachers Union Contract
Those taking this course and not in a teaching position can use any of the above from any school district - through an internet search
Grading Policy
8 Lessons - 5 Quizzes
5 Research assignments
1 Reading assignment
Grading is based on 100%. Lessons, quizzes and assignments will be averaged.
Disclaimer
This instructor is not legally liable for any incident or method discussed in this class. Those taking this class try methods at their own discretion and cannot hold this instructor or universal class. com liable in any way.
