Addressing Classroom Disruptions – What to Do When a Student Constantly Disrupts the Class

Teaching with Valor Podcast: A Veteran Teachers Perspective

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Welcome back to another episode of the Teaching with Valor Podcast, where we dive deep into the day-to-day challenges and triumphs of the classroom to help teachers grow and refine their practice, one step at a time. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re tackling a topic that every teacher, regardless of experience, will face at some point: What should I do when a student constantly disrupts the class?

We’ve all been there—the lesson is planned, you’re ready to dive into content, and suddenly, a student acts out. Whether they’re calling out without raising their hand, making jokes at inappropriate times, or distracting their peers, classroom disruptions can quickly derail the flow of your lesson. It can feel frustrating, exhausting, and, sometimes, downright discouraging. But here’s the thing—disruptions are a natural part of teaching, and how we respond to them is what defines the culture of our classrooms.
Show Notes
For more information on this topic checkout the following resources:

• Classroom Management Tools from Edutopia: www.edutopia.org - A wide range of strategies for managing classroom behavior.
• Restorative Practices for Educators: www.iirp.edu - Resources for implementing restorative justice and conversations in the classroom.
• The Responsive Classroom Approach: www.responsiveclassroom.org - A focus on building a positive classroom culture through social-emotional learning.
• PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports): www.pbis.org - A framework for reducing disruptive behaviors through positive reinforcement.
• Teach Like a Champion by Doug Lemov: Practical strategies for classroom management and student engagement.

Stay tuned for more episodes, and remember, every student is unique, and every classroom can be a place where all students succeed. Keep teaching with valor!