It would be wonderful if every student came to school excited to learn and ready to behave. But we all know that is unfortunately far from the truth. From kindergarten through twelfth grade, students struggle with sin nature just as much as we do. As Christian school teachers, one of our main callings is to help our students grow academically and spiritually. We aid that growth when we correct our students, even though that process is not always enjoyable (for us or for them).

But what happens when we come up against that student—the student with an indomitable will and an unshakable desire to have his way in everything? The student who will not take correction, who would rather disrupt learning than engage in it. The student who knows exactly which of our buttons to push—and then proceeds to push them daily. How do we work with that student?

We wish there were an instant remedy to this situation. Unfortunately, progress will be slow and sometimes painful. Thankfully, you can make progress with this student. Don’t give up on him (or her). Students have free will, and some may never choose to change. However, with calm and careful consistency, you can reach a point of connection—even with some of your most challenging students.

Consistent Procedures

Procedures are a preventative measure for discipline problems. Establishing clear procedures at the start of the year and consistently maintaining them will minimize behavior issues by ensuring that students know exactly how and when to do routine activities. Procedures limit downtime that students would otherwise be tempted to use in unproductive ways. Procedures will also ensure that the rest of your class can stay on-task if you need to take a moment to address an issue with a difficult student.

Consistent Boundaries

Along with classroom procedures, you need to set clear behavioral expectations at the start of the year. Make sure that your students know exactly what you except of them, and reinforce these expectations as needed throughout the year. Students can be unhappy about correction, but they should never be surprised by it. Keep behavioral expectations consistent for all students.  Not only is this part of our responsibility as teachers, but also this practice will ensure that difficult students cannot accuse you of unfairness. If you hold the same expectations for everyone, then no one will be unjustly singled out.

Consistent Communication

Communication goes hand-in-hand with clear expectations. You should frequently give positive and constructive behavior on students’ behavior to your students and to their parents. Parents enjoy hearing when their students are doing well; and parents need to know what steps you’re taking if correction is ever needed. Although discussing behavioral issues with parents is not always pleasant, it’s important to let them know about problems early in the school year before they escalate. It’s also essential to maintain regular communication with your administrator—especially when dealing with a challenging student. Let your administrator know exactly what steps you are taking in your classroom to prevent and address problems.

Consistent Consequences

Consequences is not a popular word in today’s society, but it’s a necessary part of the character training process. You could replace the word consequences with results: certain actions will lead to certain results. After you’ve established clear boundaries and expectations for classroom behavior, the difficulty lies in consistently enforcing those boundaries. It’s helpful to establish a behavior management plan: a list of steps that you’ll follow to address behavior problems. You can collaborate with your administration if you are not entirely sure what actions to take with your class.

After you’ve established your plan, you need to follow through—every time. This is difficult, especially with challenging students. Enforcing expectations with strong-willed students can feel like an uphill journey with no end in sight. But do not give up. Your students will test you to see how long you’ll hold out. When they do, it’s important to remember that you’re not teaching just for today. You’re equipping your students for the future. Their future moral and spiritual growth is worth the present struggle.

When you do have to enforce expectations, keep a few things in mind:

• Always speak in a calm tone. Often, difficult students will attempt to upset you. Maintaining your composure demonstrates self-control and a Spirit-filled testimony to your students.
• Avoid generalizations such as never and always when discussing students’ behavior. These words are rarely true.
• Emphasize the student’s personal responsibility. He has a choice: he can choose to do right, or he can choose to do wrong and accept the consequences for that decision.
• Sometimes we misunderstand a situation and mistakenly correct an innocent student. If this happens admit the mistake and apologize for it. We must show our students that we not “out to get them.” We are here to help them grow in Christ.
• Let students surrender with dignity. Once you have corrected them, give them a moment to gain composure. With older students, keep correction private whenever possible. Keep correction short and matter of fact for all students.

Consistent Care

Often, we might feel as if all we can do is get through the day—let alone encourage our difficult students. But this last step is crucial. We have to show our students that we love them even when we do not appreciate their behavior. Get to know your difficult student. Find interests or hobbies that you can use as a discussion point. Actively watch for your student’s good decisions and acknowledge them. Younger students often appreciate public praise in front of their classmates; older students often prefer a quiet word or note instead.

Above all, remember to pray for your challenging student. God knows your student’s heart better than anyone else ever could. As you pray for your student, pray for yourself as well. James 1:5 gives us a timely reminder: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” Lean on that promise for wisdom and strength and ask the Lord to help you show His love to all your students. He will give you the strength for the task He’s called you to.

Working with difficult students is . . . well, difficult. But each student in your classroom is a gift from God. You can make the most of the short time you have with them by using consistency to foster connection.