Discipline in the Classroom: Reflections of a First Year Teacher

The part of my job that I find the most stressful and difficult is: discipline. I find the act of rebuking a child arduous, not only due to the fact that I find it hypocritical, but also because I find myself placing emotional suffering or trial on the child. I put on a silent callus demeanor towards the child when in reality I want to comfort them, knowing full well that it would be counterproductive for the child’s growth. After working for 8 months this part of my job has not become easier or natural.

After wrestling with this feeling in my heart for awhile, I came to the conclusion that it would be a selfish love for me not to discipline. It would be selfish of me not to show them that what they did was wrong, just because I do not want to go through stressful experience myself. The act of discipline helps each child to learn and grow.

Going through this struggle helped me to realize a certain aspect of my Christian life, and a particular verse came to me. James 1:2-4 “2 My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; 4 and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.” Just like a child being disciplined to become a better person, Christians must go through trials and suffering to help us mature our faith as people of God. It has also help me come to the realization that as Christians we go through trials and suffering because of God’s love for us. If God’s love was anything less than the amazing gift that it is, we would not grow and mature as His children.

Now when I am being “disciplined” in my life I will try to consider it nothing but joy!