Take the time to open communication channels at the beginning of your relationship with students. Treat them warmly, but also establish clear boundaries and expectations. Find out what makes them tick and demonstrate that you want to learn from them, too.

“Too often, educators are pressed for time. They respond to student behavior and then continue class. Just as we want our students to reflect on their learning, teachers need the time to reflect on their teaching practices,” Sharoff said. Consider what you know about that student. Can you find the underlying causes for their disruptive behavior? Do they have unique needs? Are those needs being met?

Let the student know you want to make their learning experience positive so they can succeed. Ask them for input and show them you are genuinely interested in what they have to say. Put their behavior in the larger context of the district’s code of conduct and remind the student why the code of conduct is important for the wellbeing of the whole learning community.