One of every four students reports being bullied during the school year, according to the National Bullying Prevention Center. Bullying in the classroom has always been a problem, and educators are now taking bullying seriously. In today’s classroom, teachers must ensure that they offer all students a classroom environment free of bullying. Implementing classroom management strategies to create a safe haven from bullying can help students not only in their academic performance but also in their emotional development.

Bullying Definition 

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers this definition of bullying on StopBullying.gov: “Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance.”

Bullying often occurs several times across a period of time and may lead to lasting and serious issues. There are several different types of bullying that can occur throughout childhood and into adolescence. Bullying has a wide-reaching and large impact on all involved. A 2010 study found that only 36 percent of children who were bullied reported it to a teacher or other adult at school. The top reasons for bullying include looks, body shape and race.

Types of Bullying

The act of bullying can occur in countless different ways, but there are four main types of bullying: verbal bullying, physical bullying, social bullying and cyberbullying.

Verbal Bullying

Verbal bullying involves the use of words to create a power imbalance. A bully may use name-calling, threats and other disrespectful comments to disparage someone. While some adults may chalk up verbal bullying to playful teasing, the act can still have a significant effect. Children may experience emotional changes or respond with hurtful comments in other parts of their life.

Physical Bullying

Using physical intimidation is the hallmark of physical bullying. Bullies resort to any kind of physical contact including hitting, kicking, tripping, pushing, punching, taking and breaking things or other attacks. Physical bullying occurs when bullies are bigger, stronger and more aggressive than their peers. The practice is far easier to identify compared to other forms of bullying. Bruises, cuts and scrapes that go unexplained are telling signs that something is wrong.

Social Bullying

Also referred to as relational aggression, social bullying involves using social activities as a way to hurt and sabotage others. This type of bully uses social manipulation to ostracize someone from a group, spread rumors and break confidence. Social bullies want to increase their own social standing by lowering someone else’s. This is perhaps the toughest form of bullying to catch. At times, students do not fully understand how they are being manipulated. Girls are more likely to engage in social bullying than any other kind of bullying.

Cyberbullying

A recent trend in bullying has been the rapid emergence of cyberbullying. Youth are using the Internet, cellphones and other technology to harass, threaten, embarrass and bully other people. This may involve social networking, text messages and emails. Cyberbullying is difficult to identify because it often occurs anonymously, a detail that emboldens students who wouldn’t engage in other kinds of bullying.

Effects of Bullying

Prolonged bullying can have a strong impact on all involved, whether it is the victim, the bully or even innocent bystanders. As these facts from StopBullying.gov showcase, the effects of bullying go far beyond when the occurrence comes to an end.

The Victim

As expected, victims of bullying can face severely negative effects due to the experience. They are more likely to face increased feelings of sadness and loneliness that can lead to depression or anxiety. It is also common for victims to have changes in their sleep and eating patterns, as well as a loss of interest in their favorite activities. Victims of bullying also perform more poorly in academics, from lower GPAs to lower scores on standardized tests.

The Bully

Despite using bullying for self-gain, bullies themselves are prone to facing issues down the road. Bullies are more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs in both adolescence and as an adult. They are more likely to participate in fights, vandalize property and drop out of school. As adults, bullies are more likely to be convicted of a crime and receive traffic citations. Bullies also are abusive toward their partners or children at a higher rate.

The Bystander

Bullies and their victims are not the only ones who face negative effects as a result of bullying. The entire classroom is likely to feel the effects of bullying when it occurs. Classrooms with these issues have more students who miss or skip school. The classroom environment can become fearful and disrespectful, an obstacle to learning. This can have a snowball effect, leading to bigger issues in the future.

Managing Bullying in the Classroom 

As an educator, being proactive is the best way to either prevent bullying before it starts or stop bullying in its tracks. Here are some tips on managing bullying in the classroom.

Before Bullying Starts

The key to bullying prevention is building a safe environment for students. Developing a school climate where students feel safe encourages them to not only refrain from bullying but also stop it when it starts. Schools committed to a positive school climate should create a firm bullying policy that helps students understand that the practice is not tolerated. By enlisting the help of all teachers, staff and even parents, students can have reinforcement from all directions.

Teachers should also reinforce their own rules when possible. Expectations about bullying should be clear for all students, with rules being simple and direct. Loop in students to help them describe what a climate of respect looks like. Teachers can also keep tabs on potential bullying hot spots where the practice occurs, like playgrounds, bathrooms and the lunchroom.

Bullying Intervention

The reality is that bullying will happen. When it does, educators must act. Teachers must first ensure that the victims are safe. If it is a physical situation, victims could require medical attention, and in extreme bullying, they may have suicidal thoughts. Take the opportunity to address the bully in private and give the clear message that his or her actions are unacceptable. If bystanders have intervened already, praise them for doing so and underline the importance of stopping the activity.

Use the chance to show that you as a teacher care for the victims and the bullies.

Teachers must also implement consequences for the bully, if possible with guidance counselors and other administrators. Adults have to offer guidance and prevent further traumatization. Finally, use the chance to show that you as a teacher care for the victims and the bullies. Remind students that you can be trusted and reinforce that bullies need not revert to that behavior.

Developing Skills in Education

Properly handling bullying is one of the many ways educators are able to create an optimal learning environment for all students. Concordia University Texas offers online graduate education programs that provide instruction on modern education trends and can help teachers advance in their careers. The online learning environment is ideal for working teachers who need convenience and flexibility while pursuing a high-quality education.

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The 21st century has brought extensive change to education. From preschools to universities, the classroom environment is evolving. Teachers are running their classes in fundamentally different ways than in the past. Effective classroom management helps teachers reach their goals for students and curb potential problems before they start. Understanding modern classroom management strategies is critical for teachers and administrators.

Defining Effective Classroom Management

Classroom management refers to the techniques teachers use to ensure that students are:

• Organized
• Orderly
• Focused
• Attentive
• On task
• Academically productive

A hallmark of a successful teacher is effective classroom management. Seamlessly integrating classroom management strategies takes skill, experience and patience. All teachers have their own methods that they find effective, with most covering a similar list of purposes (entrance, transitions, interventions, corrections and others, for example).

Trends Affecting Modern Classroom Management Strategies

Many outside forces affect how teachers manage their classrooms. Most schools are experiencing the following three trends and discussing their implications for classroom management strategies.

1. Technology

Every part of society has been affected by technology, and the classroom is no different. The potential of technology to change the classroom has already been demonstrated in a variety of ways. But what if teachers used technology as a classroom management tool? Some teachers are already using integrated classroom systems via tablets for monitoring student behavior. More and more schools are adopting online databases for student monitoring as well, making information easier to share among classrooms and school administrators.

Technology allows students to remain engaged even without direct attention from their teacher. With computerized lessons, students can move beyond roadblocks with assistance from the technology itself.

2. Diversity

In 2014, non-white students represented 50.3 percent of students in U.S. public schools, according to projections from the National Center for Education Statistics. The demographic shift confirms that public school classrooms are more diverse than ever before. Classroom management must reflect this diversity. Teachers have to ensure that they both appreciate and accommodate the similarities and differences in the races, ethnicities and cultures of students.

A diverse classroom gives teachers an opportunity to provide a wider variety of learning experiences for all students. Since the number of school-age children who speak a language other than English at home is rising, teachers are inserting more learning objectives and goals that consider the culture and language skills of students. This helps students understand each other better.

3. Bullying and Cyberbullying

One out of every four students reports being bullied during the school year, according to the National Bullying Prevention Center. More teachers are making it a priority to prevent bullying, which can have a negative effect on students’ classroom performance. Thus, classroom management involves trying to stop classroom bullying before it starts and creating an environment where all students feel welcome.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2014 that nearly 15 percent of students are being bullied online.

Seeking out bullying is difficult, because it often takes place behind the backs of adults. Teachers must look for some of the warning signs, including a decline in performance, increased anxiety and unusual sadness in a student. It is important for teachers to have an anti-bullying policy that students understand. This should be accompanied with bullying education so students can understand how bullying affects them in their own way. Involving administrators can also highlight the importance of keeping schools free from bullying.

Another issue is that bullying is occurring on the Internet. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2014 that nearly 15 percent of students are being bullied online. Good classroom management must also address cyberbullying. Educating students on how to be good citizens on the Internet is a great way to start prevention. Teachers can help kids understand that anonymous actions are not truly anonymous, using examples to show the repercussions of cyberbullying. If students learn that cyberbullying is harmful, they may be less inclined to participate.

Modern Education Roles

The 21st-century school has changed significantly, especially when it comes to the roles of different educators. Administrators have a much larger role now than they had in the past, and they work in concert with teachers to ensure success.

Teachers

Teachers are responsible for ensuring that the classroom remains a positive learning environment. They have to maintain control and take the reins when discipline issues arise. They have to set up classroom structure, encourage positive student interaction and take action before problems arise. Classroom management strategies are a foundation for success for both teachers and students.

Guidance Counselors

Guidance counselors are charged with promoting academic achievement and personal development as well as providing college and career guidance. It’s imperative for a guidance counselor to serve as a strong contributor to the school community. Guidance counselors can help make the job of both teachers and administrators easier, serving as a liaison between the school and parent as well as advocating for children.

Principals

Pop culture typically paints principals as villains, but that’s certainly not true for successful school leaders. The modern-day principal is the charismatic leader of the school — an energizer, coach and agent for change. One benefit of changes in student performance measurement has been the increased ability for principals to develop methods to meet state requirements and expectations. Principals are charged with finding the best ways to achieve success, whether it be through technology, changes in curriculum or personnel. A successful principal does far more than manage the building and handle disciplinary matters.

Implementing Effective Classroom Management

In the pursuit of student success, educators at all levels must use the best classroom management techniques to achieve their goals. Concordia University Texas offers five master’s degrees in education as well as certifications that can help you specialize your skills and advance your career. The fully online programs are designed for busy, working teachers and administrators. Take the next step in your journey to make a difference in the lives of students by learning more today.

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If you are looking for a rewarding career in a growing industry, you should seriously consider becoming an education administrator. An educational administrator works with teachers, students, and other educators touching lives and making education a positive experience for everyone involved.

Completing a Master’s in Education Administration will equip you with the right set of skills needed for the job. There are incomparable benefits to the job of a school/college administrator with perks that are hard to match. These are some of the benefits you can expect:

1. You’ll be a part of a thriving industry

A traditional four-year college degree is a goal for many (if not most) students graduating out of high school. This makes post-secondary education one of the biggest industries in the country. According to this report, the post-secondary education market size in the U.S. is expected to reach a whopping $688.5 billion by 2017.

Having a Master’s in Education Administration degree has the potential to put you in the ‘high income’ bracket for life. According to the Labor Department, a post-secondary educational administrator typically earns$86,490 a year or $41.58 per hour.

2. You’ll have one of the most stable careers

A Master’s in Education Administration degree is your ticket to one of the most stable jobs in the country right now. According to the Labor Department data, employment of postsecondary educational administrators is projected to grow by 15% through 2022 – faster than average for all occupations. Opportunities will continue to open up for postsecondary educational administrators due to an increase in the number of enrollments. The department also forecasts a significant increase in online enrollments, thereby leading to a rise in the demand for educational administrators.

3. You’ll turn your vision into reality

As an educator, you are at the helm of the change you wish to see in the existing system. As an administrator, you have the power to control and influence every aspect of the education system. You can hire the right kind of teachers, sit in on classes, provide feedback to teachers, introduce innovative teaching techniques, and suggest ways in which you can create a stimulating learning environment for the students.

 4. Some Institutions will even offer you undeniable benefits

While professionals in many industries battle with pay cuts and loss of benefits, postsecondary educational administrators continue to enjoy outstanding perks. Although the perks offered may vary from employer to employer, working in the higher education industry may offer you to:

• Access to campus facilities including gyms, sports centers, libraries, convenience stores, restaurants, etc.
• Time off for the holiday breaks and spring break
• Tuition-waiver and reciprocal scholarship programs

5. You’ll know you’re doing something important

Sometimes, the difference you can make in a student’s life is way more valuable than just imparting knowledge by teaching classes. A Master’s in Education Administration degree provides you with the knowledge and tools to help students realize their dreams and achieve their life goals. As an adult, it’s easy to give up on students. But as an educational administrator, you’ll be encouraging them not to give up on themselves and helping them achieve their potential. You’ll be using your experience to make the whole college experience more rewarding for these students and steer them towards a life of success.

Concordia University Texas’ online M.Ed in Education Administration program is designed to train students on how to become an educational administrator with behind-the-scene training from educational institutions. Our online M.Ed in Education Administration, with its dedicated and experienced instructors and extensive curriculum, is just what you need to transition into this highly-rewarding, deeply-satisfying career. Learn more and enroll today.

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