Pre-Escalation is Not a Word - But Learn About it and Practice it Anyways
This morning, I spent some hours working directly with our newest teachers and their mentors at their orientation. One of the workshops I present focuses on five key areas that I call the Pre-Escalation Phase of classroom problems, learning intrusions, and/or severe crises. I am fully aware that Pre-Escalation is not a word, so those who stalk this blog looking for things to nit-pick about will have to keep reading to find something salient. Pre-Escalation is not De-Escalation. Hopefully, by engaging in classroom best practices, the best teachers, with the best relationships and other factors you will read below, have nothing to De-Escalate…ever.
We Accept Everyone, Even the Nit-Pickers - For They Help You to Appreciate Everyone Else in Your World Even More
Today’s educational landscape is evolving rapidly. While content knowledge remains paramount, there's a growing recognition of the critical importance of fostering social-emotional growth in students. This shift requires teachers to take a holistic approach, focusing on academic development and cultivating a healthy learning environment. There are five key areas every teacher should prioritize to achieve this:
The Physical Environment: The spaces in which students learn significantly impact their emotional and cognitive states. Clean, organized, and aesthetically pleasing classrooms can reduce anxiety and distractions. When students are comfortable and engaged by their environment, they are more likely to engage deeply with their learning.
I put it like this…Try doing yoga at Fenway Park in the 7th Inning or getting a massage next to the Sam Adams statue at Faneuil Hall on a Saturday in the summer. Neither environment supports these activities, so don’t expect these locations to work.
Relationships with Students: Emotional security is a precursor to effective learning. When students feel understood, respected, and valued by their teachers, they are more motivated, attentive, and ready to take on challenges. These positive relationships foster academic growth and equip students with interpersonal skills essential for life.
I put it like this…Kids don’t learn as well from people who they hate.
Voice to Parents and Students: Empowerment is at the heart of social-emotional growth. We encourage autonomy, validation, and a sense of belonging by providing parents and students a platform to share their perspectives. This not only boosts self-esteem but also promotes a collaborative learning environment.
I put it like this…People who have no voice would rather be elsewhere. And in the 1770’s people who had no voice revolted not too far from here.
Understanding Individual Needs and Preferences: Every student is unique, with their own set of strengths, challenges, and interests. Teachers who take the time to know their students beyond test scores and grades can tailor their instruction to match individual needs. This nurtures not only academic growth but also self-awareness and self-advocacy in students.
I put it like this…One of my students slashed another student’s face with a razor in the hallway. I had no idea he had a propensity towards weapons and extreme violence. Knowing this in advance might have been helpful.
Establishment of Routines and Activities: Consistency breeds comfort. Regular routines give students a sense of predictability, reducing anxiety and fostering a sense of security. Activities that keep students connected to learning promote cognitive development and provide them with constructive outlets, reducing the potential for problematic behaviors.
I put it like this…When a seventh grader snuck up behind one of his friends and yanked his pants down in front of his peers, it was when the teacher had finished teaching, and there was nothing for the students to do for 10 minutes. Not long after the student stood naked in front of 20 of his closest friends, his parents wished more instruction was going on, and so did I.
Behind every thriving educational institution is a leadership that understands the value of its educators. When working directly with staff, I do my best to enhance their development as educators and strengthen student engagement. An approachable and hands-on leadership style communicates the importance of continuous learning, collaboration, and personal connection. It also really and genuinely communicates our commitment and expectation to excellence.