Why Can’t They Just Behave?
Every teacher has faced student behavior issues, and if you haven't yet, you will. It’s easy to ask, “Why can’t they just behave?” but it's crucial to reflect on our own actions. What measures have we taken to prevent these issues? While many factors contribute to managing classroom behavior, I want to focus on the importance of upholding classroom expectations, maintaining consistency, and demonstrating Christ’s love to students.
Good classroom management minimizes behavior issues, and a key component is upholding clear expectations. While the first day of instruction may vary by grade level, every teacher must teach procedures and expectations—not preferences. I use the word expectations deliberately. These are not things I hope students will do; they are what I require. When expectations are violated, it’s a serious issue that cannot be ignored. Whether it’s a student clicking a pen or talking out of turn, these actions disrupt the learning environment and need to be addressed. Discipline doesn’t always require calling students out—sometimes a glance, a tap on the desk, or calling on the student to answer a question works just as well. However, ignoring small infractions sends the message that the behavior is acceptable, opening the door for more disruptions. Without consistent enforcement, expectations become meaningless. Are your classroom expectations truly non-negotiable, or are they just a wish list?
Consistency is key when addressing student behavior. What you allow or enforce with one student must apply equally to all. Just as God shows no favoritism (Romans 2:11, Acts 10:34), we too must treat all students fairly, regardless of who they are or who their parents are. Enforcing rules consistently teaches students an important life lesson: the world operates on rules that everyone must follow. From biblical commands—such as loving God and others (Matthew 22:37-40)—to man-made laws, consequences exist for disobedience. God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6-7), and civil laws carry penalties like fines or jail. If we fail to give appropriate consequences, we fail to prepare students for real life. Discipline, however, should not be given out with joy, but with the goal of helping students grow and learn to respect authority, aligning with God’s instruction in Romans 13:1-2. By enforcing rules consistently and with love, we set students up for success both in school and in life.
The most important thing to remember when addressing student behavior is to reflect Christ’s love. Why did you become a teacher? Why choose to work with students? Why commit to teaching other people’s children five days a week? If your answer is anything other than God’s calling, you may be in the wrong profession. Talent alone isn’t enough to be an effective Christian-school teacher—it’s about imparting both knowledge and the love of God. Teaching in a Christian school is a ministry, a calling to demonstrate God’s love to students both inside and outside the classroom. We have a responsibility to create an environment where students grow academically and spiritually by modeling a faithful Christian walk. Do we mess up sometimes? Of course. But when we do, we can model repentance and humility. Just as God shows us grace, mercy, and discipline in love, we should extend the same to our students. Some situations call for grace, while others require firm guidance—both are expressions of God’s unconditional love. By teaching with Christ’s love, we help shape students not only into good learners but also into faithful followers of Christ.
When confronted with negative student behaviors, we should ask ourselves: Do I have clear classroom expectations? Am I consistent in enforcing these expectations? Am I showing Christ's love to my students? None of us are perfect in managing classroom behavior, and we all need support. Let’s seek God's guidance as we address the behaviors of His children.
