Do you think being a “mean” teacher helps the classroom environment better?

[Anonymous]

I don’t mean like mean like bullying or making fun of a student. I mean like setting firm boundaries and high expectations on what is needed in the classrooms.
I work with special needs children and I don’t treat them any differently. We teach them to take care of their own responsibilities, push their chair in, sit at a table, use their manners, turn in their work on time. Also, kindness. I don’t let them use their disabilities and their behavior as an excuse for their rotten behaviors or doing wrong things. It’s kind to hold the door for others but we also have to teach them that not everyone will hold the door for them so they need to learn to catch the door which they probably already know. I don’t accept late work. If they accidentally forget, I’ll give an exception but I expect them to have it with them the next day. I’m not going to let the kids just do what they want. If they don’t do their homework, they’ll have to do it during recess. If they’re turned in incomplete homework, they get a 0 and they have to redo it after school.
I don’t let them talk back to me, I ignore crying and whining. The only time I’ll respond to crying is when they fell accidentally, someone bullying them, death in the family, hurt feelings, I’ll comfort them but I will encourage them to stand up for themselves and toughen up.

If they get out of like, they will get called out. I make them earn things. Life doesn’t give you things for free. I don’t just hang out stickers or gives kids what they want for free. No!
I make them use their words or they don’t get it. For nonverbal kids I make them sign it or use their devices.
I got called mean and unfair but I’m not going to them them run wild and crazy. They don’t run the show. Even some teachers said I’m too strict and too mean to the students. Well life is tough so you gotta prepare them!

I’m a student teacher.

Updates

2 mo

If course I reward them with hi fives, fist bumps and praise them don’t think I don’t do it. I smile and say good morning to them. I work in a classroom of 7, 8 and 9 year olds in a special education class.

[Makeushiver]

Being gratuitously mean helps no one. I think it's important to treat people. fairly and consistently. So, as long as you are consistent in your behavior and avoiding comments that do not meet all of the following criteria I think your fine. Criteria = 1) Is it helpful? 2) Is it kind? 3) is it ego driven/ If it agrees with all of those any comments are okay. Not sure what level you teach but aside from parents, teachers are the most impression making adults in kids lives so keep that in mind. I think deliberately being mean just adds to unnecessary suffering. I think it's almost as bad as trying to be their "bud" despite being in a different generation.

[jahaims]

You're an educator you should be able to communicate more clearly than this. Mean, in this context, refers to an action or attitude that is intended to be hurtful, malicious, or unkind, often displayed through aggressive or deliberately harmful behavior towards others. Strict would more accurately convey your sentiment. Growing up teachers that shared mutual respect and were reasonable were the ones the kids behaved for. The rules don't matter as much as how you go about enforcing them and communicating

[AI Opinion]

Being firm yet fair in the classroom can create a structured environment conducive to learning. Setting clear boundaries and expectations, combined with kindness, helps students understand responsibilities and develop important life skills. It's vital to balance discipline with empathy, especially with special needs children, adapting approaches to individual needs. Your approach seems centered on accountability and growth, teaching students resilience and independence. Feedback from peers can be valuable; consider reflecting on specific critiques to find a balance that supports both discipline and a nurturing environment.

[sirderpsalot123]

I always got along better with the cool teachers with a good sense of humor. Most kids behaved themselves because we genuinely liked the teacher.

[Asker]

Well good for you. I’ll be cool but I’m not going to be the cool teacher that kids won’t treat me like a teacher. Some kids say I’m mean well they’re stuck with me

[exitseven]

I make them turn off the cell phones. They really do not mind. I think they understand what i am trying to do.