Any suggestions for a new teacher in the Bronx?

A former co-worker left our school as a TA for her own classroom in the Bronx. She is dealing with a class of children that jumps on the desks, throws things, hit each other, have no respect for her or each other, etc. They have had no structure all year. When she voiced her concerns to the admin., the reaction was, "Maybe this is the wrong position for you." She does not want to give up. She has tried everything-stickers, prizes, positive reinforcement. She is extremely ovewhelmed. I want to help but everything I thought of she has tried and I have no experience with NYC.

Any suggestions are appreciated! My heart breaks for her and I want to help her out!

Re: Any suggestions for a new teacher in the Bronx?

ROUTINE, ROUTINE, ROUTINE.....and I wouldn't deviate from it one inch until they got it down....even if that means lining up in the hallway and practicing how we enter a room, take out our school supplies, and get to work...I would do this all day, every day until they got it right.

Working in a high needs school the kids are going to test you and push every button possible. But, what they really need is a fighter and some one who will not dessert them.

Re: Any suggestions for a new teacher in the Bronx?

I agree with the previous poster. I work in a Bronx school and I never crack a smile, you always have to be "on" and tough as nails. Follow through on all threats of punishment and be consistent.

Re: Any suggestions for a new teacher in the Bronx?

Sounds exactly like my old school when I worked in the Bronx...

The key is definitely routine. I know parent involvement wasn't big in my old school, but I did try to build a very good bond with my parents- that way if something did happen during school, I presented it to them right away and they were willing to work with me ( the parents that i saw- at least)

Its tough- even tougher when you come mid year, but tell her to hang in there and just keep up with her routine and not to bargain with incentives

Re: Any suggestions for a new teacher in the Bronx?

I also teach in a high-needs school in the Bronx.

I agree with the other posters about routine. Also, the parents are often over-worked, busy, stressed and dealing with a lot. I had to work really hard to get the parents involved, but once I did, it helped a lot.

I also had to practice everything. We walked up and down the hallway and stairs during their "choice time", everyday for a month before it was perfect.

I also think that talking to them, on a one to one can really help. These kids have complicated lives and them knowing that someone cares can help extinguish some of the behaviors. I pull kids aside all the time to ask them how they are, whats going on at home, how they feel, etc. Unfortunately, sometimes, we have to pick up slack for the parents and fill that parent roll, at least when they are in school. You just have to walk that line of when to talk through stuff with them and when to draw that teacher/student line. Its a dance, for sure, but these kids do not have consistency in their lives, and sometimes are lacking affection as well. You need to find a way to meet their needs in such a way that they want to work for you.