The issue of student discipline remains a pressing concern in our educational landscape, affecting teachers, students, and the overall effectiveness of our schools. The current state of affairs stems from several interrelated factors that warrant serious examination and immediate action. This has been a critical issue for Professional Educators of Tennessee for almost two decades, and we have worked to address it.
Today’s classrooms are often battlegrounds of misbehavior, where teachers struggle to maintain focus amid chaos. This disruption not only hinders learning but also erodes educators' morale, leading many to leave the profession. While student support is essential, it cannot overshadow the need for robust support for our educators. Teachers are on the frontlines, grappling with challenges that extend beyond mere curriculum delivery.
Historically, two main factors have been identified as contributors to student misbehavior. The disintegration of family structures has left many students without stability, which inevitably spills over into their school lives. A significant gap exists in parental engagement with schools, further exacerbating issues of discipline and respect.
We cannot continue to lay the blame for ongoing societal problems on public education. Public education indeed has its issues, from design to execution, but every societal problem manifests in our schools.
Policymakers and education stakeholders must recognize these cultural challenges and work together to address them. As William Bennett astutely noted, many societal issues persist despite government intervention. Our social institutions (families, schools, and communities) must take primary responsibility for instilling values in our children.
Policymakers must not shy away from addressing student discipline head-on. It’s time for a collective commitment to implement disciplinary frameworks that prioritize accountability and remove consistently disruptive students from classrooms. We must also recognize the challenges teachers face and provide necessary protection against violence and misconduct.
Discipline is foundational to a productive learning environment. It is not merely an administrative burden but a critical component of effective education. The Teacher’s Discipline Act, passed in 2021, serves as a model for restoring order, allowing teachers to focus on their primary role—educating students. We must support our educators and ensure they have a safe work environment. Accountability for disruptive and violent students, resources for teachers, and transparency with parents about their children’s behavior are the ways we will solve this issue.
Effective discipline policies hinge on consistency and a data-driven approach. Uniform rules build trust and fairness, while data helps tailor strategies for a positive environment. Clear, consistently enforced policies are essential, and support for teachers’ authority is vital to prevent disruptive behavior. Integrating data collection allows schools to address underlying issues instead of just reacting to misbehavior.
To improve the learning environment, we should involve teachers in policy-making. They understand classroom management well and can help create effective discipline policies. Many teachers also take on counseling and emotional support roles, which are not sustainable and need attention. We need more community support and cohesive statewide education policies that enable educators, schools, and districts to address critical issues such as student discipline effectively.
The need for a renewed focus on discipline in our schools cannot be overstated. It is time for superintendents, school boards, and policymakers to adopt comprehensive strategies that genuinely support educators and create safe, productive learning environments. By reestablishing boundaries and implementing effective policies, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to learn and thrive without disruption.
Moving forward, we need to focus on collaboration and emphasize our commitment to restoring respect and order in our educational institutions. Teachers have cited heavy workloads, unrealistic expectations, poor treatment by administrators, and student discipline as reasons for leaving the field of education. Addressing these issues, especially student discipline, is essential if we want to attract and retain dedicated teachers who can shape our children's future.
##
JC Bowman is the Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee.