DB 7
Jennifer Marshall
Christian schoolteachers can meet the needs of individual students with behavior
challenges only if they are open to receiving all of God’s children (Ackerman, 2008). The
gospels call for all Christians to get through to all people and to set “prisoners” free, but there is
concern that these “difficult” students might hinder the learning and progress of other students.
Jones and Jones (2016), suggest that when making decisions about classroom structure and
discipline, teachers must consider students’ cultural backgrounds and the associated values and
beliefs that influence their students’ behavior (pg. 25). We don’t get to choose who walks
through our classroom doors. However, we do decide that each one is worthy to be there.
The challenging student is like the lost sheep. Luke 15:4-7 says, “‘Suppose one of you
has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country
and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his
shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice
with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing
in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need
to repent.’” Ultimately, if we leave behind one, that is one too many.
Although it is not allowed publicly in the public-school system, I believe in the power of
prayer. I believe we should pray for our students, pray for their families, pray for our
administration and leaders, and pray for our co-workers. Ackerman (2008) states that there is no
exact science for dealing with human behavior, but the power of faith and prayer cannot be
contended with for seeking success for students. On the most challenging days, it is easy for a
teacher to feel beaten down, abused, unworthy, and even helpless. Through prayer, teachers can
welcome hope, patience, guidance, and faith into their minds in place of negativity.
Thessalonians 5:14, "We urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help
the weak, be patient with everyone." They say patience is a virtue, and educators are the most
patient people out there. All they do is wait! They wait for failure to turn to success. They wait
to see if what they have taught will pay off! They wait for lightbulb moments in their students.
Ackerman (2008) states that in order to help teachers apply their instructional skills to
improving their students’ behavior, use the acronym PRAISE: Being Proactive, using
Reinforcements, Assessing and analyzing the Intent of misbehavior, being Sincere, and
Empowering the Holy Spirit in students. I believe in all of these; sincerity is the most difficult.
Students want to feel and know that teachers really care and aren’t just faking it. They need to
know that teachers truly want what is best for them.
Ackerman, Beth E. (2008) "PRAISE: Christians Educators and the Difficult Student," Christian
Perspectives in Education, 1(2). Available at:
http://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cpe/vol1/iss2/1
Jones, V., & Jones, L. (2016). Comprehensive classroom management: Creating communities of
support and solving problems (11th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. ISBN
9780134444352
