Educators Quietly Rethink Enforcements to Boost Classroom Engagement

Quick Smiles:

• Texas teacher Courtney Schermerhorn prioritizes teaching over minor discipline after 25 years.
• Students cheer her no-homework policy for real in-class practice.
• TikTok video goes viral as kids beg her to join their schools.

High school U.S. history teacher Courtney Schermerhorn focuses on meaningful classroom time by ignoring outdated rules.

Her TikTok post sharing policies like cursing enforcement she’s dropped resonated widely.

“In the time it would take me to write up a kid for cursing, I could go to the bathroom, make copies, check my email, call a parent, upload grades, write my lesson plans. There are a thousand things I could do in the time that that would take, and I’m not interested in writing up a kid for cursing,” she said.

She welcomes students regardless of dress as long as it’s appropriate and celebrates their presence.

“As long as you don’t look like you belong on a pole, I don’t care what you’re wearing,” she says. “I’m just glad you’re here. I’m here to teach you. You’re here to learn.”

Abandoning homework ensures struggling students get support during school hours.

“There has to be something structurally within the school day that gives these kids the practice that they need,” Schermerhorn says.

Strong relationships keep her classroom respectful, even impressing skeptical administrators.

Share this uplifting story and support innovative educators bringing joy to learning!

Source