[quote=palerider]dwelsh, Thats good advise "don't let a jerk ruin your day". As a parent and grandparent, I wish my kids would have had a teacher like you. But I would like to know what advise do you offer the kid thats the "jerk"?

***Good point. However, note above, i say 'acting like a jerk' that is a BIG difference from slapping a label on a kid and calling them a 'jerk' (one post i didn't type carefully enough, i corrected that in another post - i added clarity to the concept). Here is what I say to the so-called jerk:

"What did you do wrong? Why did you do it? Would you like others to treat you that way? Did it (acting like a jerk) get you what you want? What are you going to do differently? What you like some strategies for dealing more productively with your anger?"

I think your advise could be a little more productive by helping them to respect their fellow students.

*****Agreed. I encourage all to respect each other. That doesn't change that fact that sometimes we act like jerks. I have told kids/classes 'sometimes Mr. Welsh acts like a jerk.' When i realize that has been the case, i quickly try to right the wrong that i did." (IE. apologize, ask for forgiveness, self-reflect on why i said/did what i did, try to learn from the mistake and do better next time).

Its being human (making mistakes or, acting liking a jerk) and honest with yourself and big enough to say, 'man, that was dumb what i did. I'm sorry.' Many try to blame their incorrect behavior on others. I encourage kids to own up to their own mistakes. I discourage them from blaming a poor choice that they make, on someone else. (IE. "I hit him because he was making fun of me.")