Power Struggles
What is a power struggle?
A power struggle is an attempt to use threats, force, and coercion in response to challenging behavior. This can happen when a teacher begins to place demands on a student when the student’s behavior is starting to escalate or even when the student is in crisis.
Why do power struggles happen?
Frustration is a key element of power struggles. A classroom can, at times, be a frustrating place. In addition, both teachers and students may be experiencing various forms of frustration in their private lives that they cannot leave at the doorstep, and it ends up impeding the ability of teachers and students to successfully resolve issues with dignity and respect.
Strategies for avoiding and navigating power struggles
- Communicate with respect and promote dignity.
- Build and maintain good rapport.
- Q-TIP (Quit Taking It Personally)
- Provide choices.
- Pick your battles.
- Reinforce desirable behavior.
- Simply be helpful.
- Give the person more time.
- Change staff
Reference: Avoiding and Navigating Power Struggles in the Classroom
Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES Behavioral Specialists Contact Information
Janelle Patterson
jpatters@monroe2boces.org
Lisa Welles
lwelles@monroe2boces.org
Meg Dahlman
mdahlman@monroe2boces.org