All humans should be treated with respect Essay Example for Free

All humans should be treated with respect Essay In examining the religious teachings about the values of human life using religious teachings it is easy to see that God thinks all human life equal regardless of race, gender or disability and encourages all his sheep (followers of his, who he regards not as servants but as friends) to do so as well. This is proven in 1st Corinthians 7 18- 20 where it is said, Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping Gods commands is what counts. Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them., the passage suggests that God cares not about the outward appearance or position of his followers but their obedience to his command, regardless of what life they have lived or what they were before, it also supports the fact that God was willing to take converts and so did not make distinctions between the human race or bear prejudice to those who were previously not his followers and had converted. The belief of equality for all of mankind is further supported by the bible which (Genesis 1:27) proclaims that all were made in the image of God and therefore bear a likeliness to him regardless of any differences we might show. This theory is known as imago dei and is one shared by the three Abrahamic religions it is thought that our likeliness to God means all human life should be treated with respect and dignity. (Matthew 5:43-38) Ye have heard it that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to those that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. This passage states that Christians should bear hate to no one even those who wish harm unto them and instead pray for them and still show love to them regardless suggesting that Christians should have compassionate and fair attitudes towards all individuals. This belief of equality, understanding and acceptance no matter the past or social standing of the person is present in most other religions such as Islam, Judaism and Buddhism and now-days most religions are known to visit jails (where sinners lay) trying to convert the evil and lost (sinners)  so that they may repent and instead become children of God an example of important converts is Charles Colson who was part of the Watergate Seven, he was arrested and pleaded guilty to Watergate related charges and the obstruction of justice before being sentenced for 1-2 years in prison. While in prison Colson converted to Christianity and when released started Prison Fellowship a national ministry that helps prisoners to convert to Christianity, it is said that this program has helped prisoners live a better life and strengthen their spirit. Quakers a faction derived from Christianity believe there is that of God in everybody, meaning that no one is more important than anyone else as they are all made in Gods image by God, however even within this organisation people still have to take charge and allocate certain responsibilities to others meaning they become leaders and therefore more important that everyone else, suggestion that they are not equal to everyone else as they are worth more. There are two main Christian views on the truth of other religions; The exclusive view (mainly fundamentalists) who like Christians in the past believe all non-Christians are not doing what is right and therefore will be condemned to Hell unless converted. Fundamentalist try to convert others to Christianity through the means of evangelism etc. becoming missionaries. This is because of their literal interpretations of the bible, believing in John 3:18 which states, whoever does not believe in him (Jesus) stands condemned already, fundamentalists do not only just extend this view towards non-believers but also to Jews who do not believe in Jesus as the son of God citing John 14:6 in which Jesus said, I am the way the truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father except though me. This view contrasts with the Inclusive view where Christianity is believed to be superior to other religions (or bearing more truth) but doesnt require conversion only adhering to the right attitude to be saved from hell. While inclusive Christians might try forms of evangelism such as becoming missionaries, they are generally more understanding of others, this means many of them become involved with charities such as Tearfund or Christian Aid as a way to help others and also convince them (without words) that Christianity holds the truth and the right way. They use quotes like: There are many rooms in my Fathers house as a way of suggesting that  there are different ways to get to heaven and different paths one can take, as long as one follows the right way. It can be argued that inclusive Christians more than exclusive/fundamentalist really follow the teachings of the bible, they more than exclusive Christians can be argued to love thy neighbour and therefore treat others the way theyd like to be treated. The bible teaches that Jesus treated foreigners very well, he healed a roman centurions son and later had dinner with Zaccheus, a hated tax collector for the Romans, suggesting that he did exactly what he preached, loved the enemy and treated everyone well, this behaviour is also reflected in the parable of the good Samaritan where a man(a Jew) is robbed and lies naked, hurt and poor on the road a priest and leaders of other religions pass him by and ignore him, the only person who stops and helps him, even paying for his treatment is a Samaritan, people who were hated by Jews and who in turn hated them. This parable, not only shows foreigners in a good light but also promotes the teaching of loving thy enemy. In Galatians 3, the bible once again reinforces that God loves all of humanity unconditionally regardless of Gender or race, proclaiming There is no difference between Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. supporting Acts 10 in declaring that God does not favour a specific group of humanity or show favouritism but rather accepts men from every nation who fear Him and do what is right. Some critics however argue that these teachings are presented as only favouring those who believe in Christ and therefore making an outsider of those who do not fear him and do what God proclaims to be right and almost exempting them from the rules and teachings he lays down to his followers, presenting the argument of: does religion treat non-believers equally? The fact that there are many different sects of Christianity had led to many different views about the treatment of others, with the term others representing black, non-whole bodied'(disabled), homo sexuals etc. as well as extending to different cultures and religions not just non-believers. Walter Laqueur a man of Jewish faith, believes that sex is historically and culturally variable, with the modern idea of two separate sexes representing a shift away from the longer-established view that there is a single male  sex, of which the female is an inferior manifestation, he believes these developments have led to a society which believes that both men and women should occupy and negotiate a range of different positions within the world instead of living in a patriarchy where women do not have a main role in religion.This view is opposed by many other religions, Catholics for example believe that women can have a role in church, but cannot be priests because of the fact that Jesus was a man, and he chose all 12 of his disciples to be men. Catholics also interpret St Pauls teachings in Timothy 2 which suggest that women should have no authority over men as being correct, A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. Taking the view that Adam was formed first, then Eve and Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner.. Some fundamentalist believe that men and women are equal before God but still have different roles in life meaning women shouldnt be offered equal opportunities in everything including religion claiming that the womens main job should be as a home-maker looking after the children not being in positions of leadership in the church. The Church of England however is against this interpretation and believes that women can be priests. They believe that we are all equal in Gods eyes, and also that Jesus had many women followers. Mary and others have been named in the Bible at significant points in Jesus life, and there are books in the Bible named after women. They use quotes such as: There is neither male nor female, you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3 ) to support their reasoning. Some black theologians claim that religion has always been bias to the white man and therefore racist and oppressing to black people. They argue that this has created a divide between white God and black God. Only in 1985 did the Church of England announce the Church should make space for and include black Christians fully, this was almost a centuries after the freedom of Black people as slaves and many years after black liberation had occurred ( officially). However while many Christians like Pope John Paul, who condemned the fact that Christians had contributed to the slave trade, finally got Black people some equality some sects of Christianity such as the Southern Baptists in USA up until 1900, the Dutch Reformed Church in  South Africa until 1980 and many Christians in the 16th, 17th and 18th century believed that certain races were inferior and could be treated as either 2nd class citizens or slaves because of two Bible verses: Genesis 9:18-27 which states that the descendants of Noahs third son (Ham who is thought to be black by many Christians) will be cursed and be the slaves of his second son Japheth(thought to be white by many) and Ephesians 6:5 which states Slaves obey your masters -a verse that some Christians thought meant that it was fine to have inferior races and slaves. There is also the question of disability in religion with old-age Christians and Buddhism believing it was a punishment for evil deeds/sin (or bad karma in past lives). This viewpoint however has changed in recent times whereas being disabled was once viewed as being an imperfect version of an able bodied person, a description that suggests that disabled people are of less value than an able bodied person, recent views believe in Aristotle interpretation, that physical defects do not prevent a person from actualising their potential as a human being because the essence of being human does not rest on purely physical abilities a viewpoint which a charity called Larche founded by a Christian recognises. Aristotle point further illustrates a verse of the bible which proclaims that we are all born of sin, which supports that no one is perfect- were all flawed one way or another and therefore are in one way or another disabled. Islam is considered an egalitarian religion meaning one that is pro-equality. There is an argument made by several Muslim Women scholars such as Al-Hibri who argues that the situation of women globally is too complex and contradictory for one comprehensive critique, saying that in some nations: Muslim women experience horrendous forms of violence and oppression, often under the label of Islam whereas in another nation Muslim women may occupy positions of power in significant social and political institution also due to Islam. Many argue that whilst there are many practices contrary to womens rights which are done in the name of Islam, the reality is that there is no basis in Islam for them. Others make the important point that there are many factors at work which have allowed such oppressive practices to continue, such as the existence of patriarchal cultures that are often  confused with religious belief or the existence of authoritarian regimes that deny more than just womens claiming undemocratic regimes have denied human rights to their citizens, and attempted to lay the blame on the doorstep of religion suggesting that it is not religion that is unequal, but those who practise it. It can be argued that the term equality has different meanings in different situations you cant be equal to all people through one measure because everyone has different conditions that must be met etc. you cant feed a Muslim the same way youd choose a Hindu, you couldnt offer a Muslim a pig as it would cause trouble due to the offer being interpreted as an insult, this however doesnt mean you cant treat persons of both religion the same; with kindness and compassion regardless of their religion. This has led to many arguing that the solution is not just treating everyone equally (as equality suggests same treatment) but rather introducing tolerance and acceptance. They believe that conversion in religions isnt something that should occur forcefully but instead something that should be gently approached through the means of missionaries (in religions such as Jehovah witnesses and Mormons) for example. However some religions have a zero tolerance on those they consider outsiders, this include Zionism and its treatment of the Palestinians and some Jewish sects which refused to assimilate into the societies they lived in (Ashkenazic Jews), preferring to stay outsiders because they believe the Torah forbids mixing with gentiles due to their interpretation of Avoda Zara 36b which states You shall not intermarry with them; you shall not give your daughter to his son and you shall not take his daughter for your son; for he will cause your child to turn away from Me and they will worship the gods of others. Many Christians (and some Jews) thoroughly disagree with this verse with Christians believing it is directed ad them and painting them as immoral idolaters and some Jews believing the passage to contradicting (with the rest of the Torah) and too brief to be fully understood. This raises the argument among theologians that the bible and other holy books are too contradicting, confusing and sometimes too lacking of Context to be fully interpreted and rather, the teachings should not be taken at face value but rather, used to regulate but not to set iron cast laws .   However there are many contradicting verses in the bible which suggest otherwise.   Islam states: O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you with God is the most pious.Verily, God is All-Knowing, All-Aware. (49:13) about the difference within human beings, suggesting that they are deliberate and diversity is Gods gift to humankind.   Judaism, Christianity and Islam   The founder of Quakers, George Fox but instead of seeking primarily to convert, the upmost goal is to establish the principles of Christianity in others lives etc. love, humility and compassion.   And the Quran which states: I shall not lose sight of the labour of any of you who labours in My way, be it man or woman; each of you is equal to the other (3:195)   The Quran states For Muslim men and women,- for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in Charity, for men and women who fast (and deny themselves), for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Gods praise,- for them has God prepared forgiveness and great reward. (33:35) suggesting that everyone, not just Muslim men and women will get the reward as long as they are humble and adhere to Muslim practises even if they do not adopt the religion   The most beloved and respected historical Christian thinkers and theologicans are amongst those who believe the role of women in religion should be subdued with John Crysostom considering the female sex as weak  and fickle ,Augustine claims Satans reasoning for deceiving Eve was because he was making his assault upon the weaker part of that human alliance eand Epiphanius declaring that the female sex is easily mistaken, fallible, and poor in intelligence even Martin Luther King supports this argument stating it was not Adam who went astray 265).  an idea that men systematically dominate, oppress and exploit women I many believe that a patriachical state doesnt and didnt ever exist and instead we have just been living in a world dominated by a complex set of differences; ethnic, racial, gendered, class hierarchy and not just gender.   In this generation, although there are many verses in the bible to suggest that women should have and did have a very important and immensely valuable role in founding and shaping Christianity.   For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; neither was man created for woman, but woman for man†¦In the Lord,  however, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God (New International Version, 1 Corinthians 11:1-3;8-9;11-12).   1 Corinthians 14 says, Women should remain silent in churches which many interpret as saying- women shouldnt be in positions of leadership in the church.   Proverbs 31 implies the place of a woman is at home She watches over the affairs of her household   But women will be saved through childbearing-if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety(New International Version, 1 Timothy 2:11-15).   This is known as Christian egalitarian. The opposing view is Complementarianism.   Although, when the decision was made to allow Women into the church in 1992, many people left the Church of England as a result and converted to Catholics. This shows that there still isnt equality in Religions such as Christianity as while some may be for the inclusion of women, the one who arent may simply join a different fraction and practise their anti-feminist in religion perspectives there. This supports the view that freedom in religion is in conflict with notions of gender equality.   A prominent Muslim mother to an autistic child once wrote to a follower who also had an autistic child As with typically-developing children, every special-needs child has his or her own personality, temperament, strengths, and abilities. Every child has his or her God-given potential. This is from the mercy of Allah and one of the signs of His strength that He created such diversity among human beings. We should rejoice in the creative power of Allah and accept His qadr, or decree, for us. I believe that Allah created disabilities so those of us who are able-bodied would not become complacent and ungrateful. Taking care of a child with a disability brings out the best and most compassionate in all of us. So many of the things that parents of typically-developing children take for granted, we have to fight and struggle for. I think this helps us draw closer to the All-Merciful, the Forbearant, and the Loving. This supports the view that all human life is sacred and must be treated with the rights given to it in the Sharia and that no one has the right to take the life of another except according to Gods command. It also gives way to an argument that could claim moral worth of a person does not depend on birth, gender, race or wealth or whether or not a person is disabled. Class background, as well as the degree and severity of impairment, ethnicity, sex, sexuality and age can exacerbate or modify the experience of disability (Vernon, 1999:394) Many may argue that this isnt a religion; however most agree that it is a branch of Judaism if a very distant branch. Different from Sephardim (who chose to assimilate into the nations they moved to and Mizrahi Jews who also assimilated into the nations they found themselves in.

What the High School Educator Must Know :: Discourse Community Education Essays

What the High School Educator Must Know Consider all that a high school educator must know (or at least attempt to know). The truly good ones--the ones who motivate us, instill a love for learning, and ultimately change our lives for the better--know a great deal (salaries and public perception notwithstanding). They know their subject matter, they know and understand human motivation, they are aware of the power of interpersonal relations and how to use that knowledge to gain the most benefit from the least potential, they understand the po wer of their own rhetoric (even if they don't consider rhetorical studies an important aspect of their academic lives), and most importantly, they know how to share this knowledge with others. High school educators today (the good ones) are mentors, frie nds, counselors, coaches, researchers, sources, role models, disciplinarians, crisis managers, and on and on. With all that our really good high school educators know and do, it might seem absurd for me (a high school educator) to sugg est that we need to dig in and truly understand yet another aspect of our students' lives, and yes, even our own. But I am suggesting just that. If we don't understand the powerful impact discourse communities have on what we do, how we do it, and what we're trying to ach ieve, we are shortchanging ourselves, and more importantly, we are shortchanging our students. Just what is a discourse community though? And why are so many in the field of rhetoric bandying about this term? This "social framework regulating textual production" (Porter 38) goes by many names: it's what Stanley Fish calls "the interpretive co mmunity," what Michel Foucault calls "the discursive formation," and what Patricia Bizzell calls "the discourse community" (38). James Porter of Indiana University-Purdue University at Fort Wayne, however, seems to have generated the clearest definition of a discourse community. A "discourse community" is a group of individuals bound by a common interest who communicate through approved channels and whose discourse is regulated...[The community] shares assumptions about what objects are appropriate for examination and discussion, what operating functions are performed on those objects, what constitutes "evidence" and "validity," and what formal conventions are followed. (38-39) It is important to remember that we all are part of various discourse communities throughout our lives (each of which dictates the conventions we follow, the language we use, and the credence we give to what we hear or read).

Industry Averages and Financial Ratios Paper Essay

Industry averages and financial ratio reports determine the financial health of an organization. Solvent, efficiency, and profitability are compared by key financial indicators and ratios that measure several companies within the same industry. The publicly traded company chosen by Team A is ExxonMobil. â€Å"The largest publicly traded international oil and gas company in the world. ExxonMobil makes products that drive modern transportation, power cities, lubricate industry, and provide petrochemical building blocks that lead to thousands of consumer goods† (ExxonMobil, 2013-2015). In this paper, Team A will analyze the industry statics and financial ratios of ExxonMobil. Critically adopt lean principles to create a more efficient system. Discuss what a Just-In-Time inventory system would have if adopted. Compare the ratios for ExxonMobil with the appropriate industry ratios shown in the D&B Report. SIC Code of Classification The Standard Classification Code (SIC) was created in 1937 as four digit codes the government assigns to all U.S. companies to help identify the primary establishment. â€Å"These codes were developed to promote the presentation, collection, and analysis of data.† It also helps â€Å"simplify comparability and uniformity of the collection of statistical data, which are done by federal government agencies, private organizations, and state agencies†. Each SIC that is assigned has a meaning. â€Å"The SIC system arrays the economy into 11 divisions, that are divided into 83 2-digit major groups, that are further subdivided into 416 3-digit industry groups, and finally disaggregated into 1,005 4-digit industries.† The primary SIC code is determined by the highest revenue department within the company that prior year (Siccode.com, 2015). The SIC for ExxonMobil is 2911 Petroleum Refining(U. S. Department of Labor, n. d.). ExxonMobil Inventory Systems Exxon Mobile operates on the LIFO inventory system method for their business. LIFO, meaning last in, first out, is an inventory system in which goods that are produced last are used first. LIFO is a very common accounting method that many gas and oil industry owners have used over time. Most companies use the LIFO inventory system for tax purposes when cost are raising, hence gas and oil prices. In the event that Exxon Mobile switched to the just in time inventory, it’s possible that Exxon Mobile could come up short on their inventory. Just in time inventory is used to reduce cost by only purchasing inventory when needed. Since gas and oil is such a huge necessity for consumers, the just time inventory method would not be beneficial to Exxon Mobile (Stock Analysis on Net, 2015). Key Financial Ratios for ExxonMobil According to Farlex (2015), â€Å"financial ratios are defined as a financial analysis comparison in which certain financial statement items are divided by one another to reveal their logical interrelationships.† Financial ratios can be classified to reveal movements in profitability, solvency, and efficiency ratios. â€Å"Solvency ratios measure a company’s ability to pay its debt and other obligations.† Profitability ratios exhibit the manner in which a business has fulfilled its operational point of view. Efficiency ratios are normally utilized to examine how a business internally uses its assets and liabilities (Investopedia, 2015). The cart below acknowledges some key financial ratio for each of the previous mentioned categories for ExxonMobil. All of these ratios have been computed and derived from annual information for the 2010- 2011 fiscal years. Exxon Mobil’s Performance Comparison to Industry Averages The Dun & Bradstreet Key Business Ratios data set for 2911 Refining Petroleum had a sample of 24 in 2010 and a sample of 31 in 2011 to help compare Exxon’s ratios to its competitors. This data set is divided into three categories, this paper compares only three ratios for each category; Solvency Ratios: Quick Ratio, Current Ratio, and Current Liabilities to Inventory Ratio; Efficiency Ratios: Collection Period Ratio, Assets to Sales Ratio, and Accounts Payable to Sales Ratio; Profitability Ratios: Return on Sales Ratio, Return on Assets, and Return on Net Worth. Solvency Ratios Analysis The quick ratio for Exxon in 2010 and 2011 are 0.64 times, which falls between the median and lower range of the industry averages on the D & B chart for both years. This shows that ExxonMobil Corporation to be among the average in its industry, therefore it will be a less risky investment. The current ratio in 2010 and 2011 is 0.94 times, in which 2010 falls in the lower range and 2011 falls between the median and lower range of the industry averages. This explains that in 2010 and 2011 Exxon only had $0.94 in current assets to cover every dollar of current liabilities. The current liabilities to inventory ratio illustrates â€Å"how much a company depends on its inventory to help pay its debt†. As the above chart shows, Exxon’s current liabilities to inventory ratio for 2010 is 482.68% and for 2011 is 515.87%, which falls on the lower range of industry averages on the D & B chart. This reveals that Exxon does not have to depend on its inventory to help pay its debts. (Creditmanagementworld.com, 2006-2015). Efficiency Ratios Analysis â€Å"Collection period ratio is used in analyzing how fast a business can increase its cash supplies.† Exxon’s collection period ratio for 2010 is 28.24 days and 2011 is 26.60 days. When comparing this ratio to the industry averages on the D & B chart, Exxon falls between the median and lower ranges. This informs potential investors that Exxon is able to collect on its receivables within 30 days of its initial receipt. The assets to sales ratio for Exxon in 2010 is 0.82 and 0.71 in 2011. This ratio is very low compared to the industry averages, which in term means that Exxon is† selling more than it can safely fulfill by its assets.† The accounts payable to sales ratio for Exxon is 0.91 in 2010 and 0.79 in 2011. These two ratios fall in the upper range of the D & B chart, this is bad for Exxon because it states that Exxon might be using its suppliers to help fund the operations during this time period (Creditmanagementworld.com, 2006-2015). Profitability Ratio Analysis The return on sales (Profit Margin) ratio in 2010 is 13.82% and in 2011 is 15.06%, for Exxon. This ratio when compared to its industry averages lies in the upper range on the D & B chart. This determines that Exxon is â€Å"better prepared to handle any downtrends brought upon by adverse conditions.† Exxon’s return on assets (ROA) ratio for 2010 is 11.37% and 12.96% in 2011. It falls on the upper range of the D & B chart. This illustrates that Exxon â€Å"is ran very well and has a strong return on its assets.† Exxon’s return on net worth for 2010 is 23.67% and for 2011 is 27.26%. This simply means that Exxon has made a profit on its investment for these two years. Through this analysis we find that Exxon stays close to the upper percentage ratios, when compared to the industry averages. This ratio makes ExxonMobil Corporation an ideal investing opportunity (Creditmanagementworld.com, 2006-2015). Conclusion During these two years, many companies were still feeling the effects of the economic recession. This can possibly explain why some of Exxon’s ratios are on the lower range of its industry averages. As potential investor, this team feels that the financial health of ExxonMobil Corporation in 2010 and 2011 is within the range of the industry averages. Despite what these ratio determine, Exxon is a viable business entity with great potential for  investing. References Business Dictionary. (2015). Financial Ratios. Retrieved from http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/financial-ratios.html Creditmanagementworld.com. (2006-2015). Business Financial Analysis Using Ratios. Retrieved from http://www.creditmanagementworld.com/analysis/analysis04.html Dun & Bradstreet. (n.d.). Key Business Ratios. Retrieved from http://www.mergentkbr.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/index.php/reports/industry ExxonMobil. (2013-2015). About Us. Retrieved from http://corporate.exxonmobil.com/en/company/about- us/history/overview Farlex. (2013-2015). Solvency Ratios. Retrieved from http://financial-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Solvency+Ratio Google Finance. (2015). ExxonMobil Corporation: Annual Financial Statements. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/finance?q=NYSE:XOM&fstype=ii Investopedia. (2015). Efficiency Ratios. Retrieved from http://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/efficiencyratio.asp Stock Analysis on Net. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.stock-analysis-on. net/NYSE/Company/Exxon-Mobil-Corp/Analysis/Inventory U. S. Department of Labor. (n. d.). 2911 Petroleum Refining. Retrieved from https://www.osha.gov/pls/imis/sic_manual.display?id=627&tab=description Worldwide Business Dictionary. (2015). What is a SIC Code?. Retrieved from http://siccode.com/en/pages/what-is-a-sic-code

Classroom Strategies for Improving Behavior Management

Behavior management is one of the biggest challenges that all teachers face. Some teachers are naturally strong in this area while others have to work hard to be an effective teacher with behavior management. It is crucial to understand that all situations and classes are different. Teachers must quickly figure out what works with a particular group of students. There is not a single strategy that a teacher can implement to establish better behavior management. Instead, it will take a combination of several strategies to create the desired atmosphere of maximized learning. Veteran teachers often use these simple strategies to maximize the time they have with their students by minimizing the distractions. Establish Rules and Expectations Immediately It is well documented that the first few days of school are essential in setting the tone for the remainder of the year. I would argue that the first few minutes of those first few days are the most critical. Students are generally well behaved, and attentive in those first few minutes giving you the opportunity to captivate their attention immediately, lay the foundation for acceptable behavior, and dictate the overall tone for the remainder of the year. Rules and expectations are two different things. Rules are negative in nature and include a list of things a teacher does not want students to do. Expectations are positive in nature and include a list of things that a teacher wants students to do. Both can play a role in effective behavior management in the classroom. Rules and expectations should be simple and straightforward covering the essential aspects of behavior management. It is essential that they are well written avoiding vagueness and wordiness that can be counterproductive by creating confusion. It is also beneficial to limit how many rules/expectations you establish. It is better to have a few well-written rules and expectations than a hundred that no one can remember. Practice! Practice! Practice! Expectations should be practiced several times throughout the course of the first few weeks. The key to effective expectations is for them to become a habit. This is done through prioritized repetition at the beginning of the year.  Some will see this as a waste of time, but those that put in the time at the beginning of the year will reap the benefits throughout the course of the year. Every expectation should be discussed and practiced until it becomes routine. Get Parents on Board It is crucial that teachers establish meaningful, trusting relationships early on in the school year. If a teacher waits until there is an issue to reach out to a parent, then the results may not be positive. Parents must be as aware of your rules and expectations as the students are. There are many ways to establish an open communication line with parents. Teachers must become adept at utilizing these different forms of communication. Begin by making contact with the parents of those students who have a reputation of having behavior problems. Keep the conversation entirely positive in nature. It is likely that this will provide you with credibility as they are probably not used to hearing positive comments about their child. Be Firm Do not back down! You must hold a student accountable if they fail to follow a rule or expectation. This is especially true at the beginning of the year. A teacher must get their bluff in early. They can lighten up as the year progresses. This is another vital aspect of setting the tone. Teachers who take the opposite approach will likely have a difficult time with behavior management throughout the year. Most students will respond positively to a structured learning environment, and this begins and ends with consistent accountability. Be Consistent and Fair  Ã‚   Never let your students know that you have favorites. Most teachers would argue that they do not have favorites, but the reality is that there are some students that are more endearing than others. It is essential that you are fair and consistent no matter who the student is. If you give one student three days or detention for talking, give the next student the same punishment. Of course, history can also factor into your classroom discipline decision. If you have disciplined a student several times for the same offense, you can defend giving them a tougher consequence. Stay Calm and Listen Do not jump to conclusions! If a student reports an incident to you, it is necessary to investigate the situation thoroughly before making a decision. This can be time-consuming, but ultimately it makes your decision defendable. Making a snap decision can create an appearance of negligence on your part. It is equally essential that you remain calm. It is easy to overreact to a situation, especially out of frustration. Do not allow yourself to handle a situation when you are emotional. It will not only diminish your credibility but could make you a target from students looking to capitalize on a weakness. Handle Issues Internally The majority of discipline issues need to be addressed by the classroom teacher. Consistently sending students to the principal on a discipline referral undermines a teacher’s authority with students and sends a message to the principle that you are ineffective in handling classroom management issues. Sending a student to the principal should be reserved for serious discipline infractions or repeated discipline infractions for which nothing else has worked. If you are sending more than five students to the office a year, you likely need to reevaluate your approach to behavior management. Build Rapport Teachers who are well-liked and respected are less likely to have discipline issues than teachers who are not. These are not qualities that just happen. They are earned over time by giving respect to all students. Once a teacher develops this reputation, their job in this area becomes easier. This type of rapport is built by investing time into building relationships with students that extend outside what happens in your classroom. Taking an interest in what is going on in their lives can be endearing in developing positive teacher-student relationships. Develop Interactive, Engaging Lessons A classroom full of engaged students is less likely to become a behavior issue, than a classroom full of bored students. Teachers must create dynamic lessons that are both interactive and engaging. Most behavior issues originate out of frustration or boredom. Great teachers are able to eliminate both of these issues through creative teaching. The teacher must be fun, passionate, and enthusiastic while differentiating lessons to meet individual needs in the classroom.