Teaching in public high schools today proves to be a huge challenge for both students and teachers alike. A number of teachers have abandoned teaching mainly for behavioral problems of students today. The power struggle between students and teachers inside the classroom proves to be the biggest hindrance in the delivery of excellent learning opportunities to the students. Added to that is the threat of misbehaving students of their rights and the fact that their parents can sue.
A teacher functions in an environment full of challenge and second-guessing. This of course could affect the teacher's ability to teach. Discipline complaints coming from parents are among the many realities a teacher should face especially in a public school.
Discipline is a tool in teaching. It could be a potential source of conflict too. The problem in handling difficult students though is not insurmountable. Teachers should learn to make rules clear early on. Consistently enforcing little rules could eventually help curb disruptive behaviors among students (Drummond, 2002). This way there will be no confusion as to what the teacher demands from the students. The students could also voice their expectations on their teachers to avoid conflicts later on.
Teaching in high school today requires teachers to be more than just sources of information. They need to act as disciplinarians, parents and friend as well to the students. In order to be truly effective, they need to be well-rounded and willing to face unrehearsed challenges. Problems will always arise. The need to address these problems swiftly and effectively should be given priority by a teacher.
The reality of classroom teaching today maybe far different from the theories taught to teachers but they need to adapt with the times and come up with new solutions for new sets of problems they encounter as carry out their duties (Drummond, 2002).
