Supporting Educators That Are Dealing With Challenging Behaviors

For educators, dealing with challenging behaviors can be one of the most difficult aspects of their job. Whether it’s a student who acts out in class, constantly disrupts lessons, or is defiant towards authority, nearly all educators have encountered challenging behavior that can be draining both mentally and emotionally.

While our focus is always on supporting and guiding our students toward success, it’s equally important to remember to support and care for our educators who are often the ones on the front lines with these behaviors daily.

The Impact of Challenging Behavior on Educators

Educators are constantly juggling multiple responsibilities and obligations- from creating and delivering engaging lessons to managing a classroom full of diverse personalities to meeting the individual needs of each student. Add challenging behavior into the mix, and it’s no wonder that educators can sometimes feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and burnt out.

It is crucial that administrators and others recognize the toll that dealing with challenging behavior can take on educators’ well-being. Supporting educators in this aspect is not only beneficial for their mental health and job satisfaction, but it also has a direct impact on student outcomes. When teachers feel supported, valued, and understood, they are better able to create a positive and conducive learning environment for their students.

How to Support Educators Who Are Dealing With Challenging Behaviors

So, what can administrators do to support educators who are dealing with behavior? Here are a few practical strategies to consider:

First and foremost, listen to your educators. Create a safe and non-judgmental space for them to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns about the challenging behaviors they are facing. Allow them to vent, share their frustrations, and ask for help without fear of repercussions. Sometimes, just being able to talk about the struggles they are facing can be a huge relief for educators.

Providing ongoing training and professional development opportunities. Behavior management techniques and strategies are constantly evolving, so it’s important to equip teachers with the latest research-based tools and resources to effectively handle challenging behavior. Topics should include behavior management, positive discipline, and creating a positive classroom culture.

Encourage a formal system for supporting educators in dealing with behavior. This could include a structured protocol for reporting and addressing behavior issues, a team-based approach to behavior intervention, and access to a behavior specialist or counselor for additional support. Having a clear and consistent system in place can help alleviate some of the stress and uncertainty that comes with dealing with challenging behavior.

Lastly, don’t forget about self-care. Encourage educators to prioritize their well-being and practice self-care strategies to manage stress and prevent burnout. It is important to go beyond telling them to practice self-care and provide them with the resources or support that makes it possible. For instance, if you tell them not to take their work home with them, it is important to ensure their workload can reasonably be accomplished within the workday.

It’s All About Supporting Educators

Supporting educators who are dealing with challenging behavior is essential for creating a positive and healthy school environment. By listening to their concerns, providing ongoing training and professional development, promoting collaboration and peer support, implementing a formal system for behavior support, and encouraging self-care, administrators can help educators feel supported, valued, and empowered to effectively manage challenging behavior. When educators are supported, they are better able to focus on what truly matters- providing a high-quality education for all students.

Written by Kalin Schoephoerster, Instructional Designer & Licensed Special Education Teacher