Challenging Behaviors and Empowerment in Juvenile Correctional Education

Every day in my 20-year journey in juvenile correctional education, I face a unique set of challenges as I work with young individuals, primarily aged 12 to 20, who have been locked up for various crimes or probation violations, often involving drugs and gangs. It's not just the use of profanity that taxed my patience, but the manner and context in which it is used that often fueled my frustration.

During a recent lecture on war crimes, a student suddenly blurted out, "That's fucking messed up." I was not delighted, but it was a form of empathy and understanding, reminiscent of Malala Yousafzai's story, where she expressed herself in a classroom setting. We often work on appropriateness, but that is a small victory in a larger battle.

The Infuriating Aspects of My Classroom

What truly infuriates me is the treatment of young women by their peers. They often lash out in aggression, especially towards each other, which is deeply concerning. A probation staff once told me, "If I had a dollar for every time I heard a girl say 'You're a fucking bitch' to another girl, I would already be retired."

While I understand that ambition and intelligence in academic debate and discussion can bring joy and fulfillment, I must be vigilant. There will always be moments when frustration and personal attacks escalate, and it’s these inherent human tendencies that I must navigate to keep the path toward knowledge and understanding clear.

Supporting Empathy and Encouraging Positive Interactions

Some may question why kids in my environment should be allowed to interact, but I believe fostering genuine empathy and positive interactions is crucial. Whenever I sense that girls are genuinely empathetic toward each other, I grab it and encourage it as much as possible. My approach is kind and fair, and I share aspects of my life and my children to build a connection with my students.

I remind them that the answer to infuriating behavior is to try again and try harder. This message is important for me as well. Dealing with challenging behaviors requires patience and a commitment to perseverance. We need to teach our students that their lives matter and that school can be a means to a better future.

The Tragedy of Attitude and Its Consequences

One comment that particularly strikes me with sorrow and determination is, "I still get out."

This simple statement, often interpreted as a lack of care or attention to school, reflects a troubled background and deeply ingrained behavior that can lead many youth to lives of pain, addiction, incarceration, and even death. It evokes a strong emotional response from me and compels me return to the board at the front of the room with renewed determination to teach and to inspire hope.

For more insights and stories from my experiences, visit Voices from Inside.