Ephesians 5:1-2 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

     The unconditional love of Christ is the most significant gift a teacher can give.  Students will grow in confidence and security when we love them with the same unfailing love that Christ loves us. The gentleness of a teacher’s soft answer and quiet tone creates a peaceful and caring atmosphere.  Most students will respond well to love and kindness.

     In times of misbehavior and required discipline, the love of Christ is your most significant tool.  You must have consequences for the infraction, and you must follow the established rules. However, you can administer the discipline “for the student,” not “against the student.”  To withhold consequences for misbehavior is to deny a student the security of the classroom boundaries. The student will test the limits; that’s his job.  Your job is to assure him those boundaries exist.

     The specific consequence is not as important as the emotions you display. When correcting students, teachers need to be neutral; you are a tool of the law.  The student is not coming against you, the person.  He is rebelling against the rules of the school.  Anger is not neutral. Some students have a need to test the boundaries. They will test the boundaries (rules) until they are convinced they are firm. Boundaries and structure in a classroom offer students a sense of security.

     Should you become angry with a child, it is best to separate the child from you until you cool off.  Don’t discipline a student when you are angry.  It is best to postpone the discipline until you can get control of your emotions.  You may want to consider placing the student outside of the classroom or in a chair in the back of the room or some other safe place where you can continue with your work until your anger subsides.  If you lose your composure or temper, the student will be considered the winner of the conflict.  The student must never win!  You are the adult.  You are the tool that God will use to train the child.

     Learn to forgive students quickly.  Stay before God in prayer until you overcome any unforgiveness.  Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child–you are an adult.  Your behavior should be above his. Force yourself to learn unconditional acceptance of the child by looking beyond his current response to what he can become after he is fully trained. 

Dear God, Can you help me with my anger?  I need help with the mocker that keeps tormenting me and disturbing my classroom. I want to be more like you.  Teach me to be lovingly consistent like you.