If you are a teacher, you probably have your definition. I don’t mean to be cruel, that’s why I would never say the word in a teaching position. Nonetheless, I think we all have an idea what it means. I reserve this unspoken term for certain highly special individuals who truly make your life in the classroom a living hell. What’s worse? They do it with a smile on their face and not much you do can ever effect their attitude. I run across about at least one every 3 years it seems.
I used to be excited about punks and try really hard to bring them into th fold of success. Unfortunately I have learned through time that many of these will fight you to the end of the year. Still, I never give up. Anyone can change and anything is possible when it comes to students.
But when I identify and punk I rather quickly decide they should be moved out of the “learning zone.” There is a zone that eager kids sit that should be guarded. If you have tried numerous attempts at getting the kid to stop talking, to do her/his work on time, etc, then you should consider moving them out of that zone. Why should the good kids be distracted by this child continuing to be disrespectful. After moving the seat, consider being calm cool and collected with them as they continue to misbehave. Getting visibly upset with them in class is only giving them the attention they deserve. As a result of moving them and not showing them attention, you may win them over slowly and one day they may want to re-enter the zone. Always hope for that. I am curious to hear your stories of punks you may have run across.