Anger and

Stress
Management
for Teachers

results in an
attack of
variable
intensity that
is not always
appropriate.

powerful
response,
triggered by a
negative
emotion that

a learned
behavior
secondary
emotion; has
stages

ANGER

it can bring
about a sense
of power over
others.

People who are easily angered

low tolerance for frustration
they feel that they should not be
subjected to frustration, inconvenience,
or annoyance.
Particularly infuriated if the situation
seems somehow unjust: for example,
being corrected for a minor mistake.

Stages of Anger

Step One-The Buildup

Contributing factors:

Experien
ces

Learned
attitudes

Low selfesteem

Past
reactions

Unrealisti
c
attitudes

Physical
stress

Poor
coping
skills

Your Goal as a teacher to manage anger:

Prevent an outburst
Talk calmly Teach problem solving
Remember that anger is not directed at you but
toward you

Stage Two-The Spark

Contributing factors:

Experiences
Mutual
antagonism

Sight or
thought of
something
unpleasant

Outside
influences/
mishaps

Hot button
words or
topics

Immature
reasoning

Your Goal as a teacher to manage anger:

Defuse the problem
Look beyond the spark for the true problem
Listen calmly Label the correct motion Restate
the rules

Stage Three-The Explosion

Contributing factors:

Raised
voices

Hitting

Insults

Name
calling

Kicking

Shredded
homework
or worse

Your Goal as a teacher to manage anger:

Contain the explosion and minimize any resulting damage
Stay calm Dont bargain or threaten Remind of discipline
Cool off Separate the actors of more than one student is
involved

Stage Four - The Aftermath

Contributing factors:
Magnitude of
the outburst

Your degree
of calm

Your
expressions

The control
of your own
emotions

Your care
and respect

Your Goal as a teacher to manage anger:

Resolve the problem and gain insight to anticipate
future episodes
Talk over what happened Use teachable
moments for problem solving Manage any micro
bursts Follow through on discipline

Remember
The same components that create anger in
adolescents apply to you, the teacher, as well.
When dealing with an angry child remain
calm.
Do not redirect anger back at him or her.
Also, be familiar with what triggers your own
anger.
Keep this in mind when you come into the
classroom frustrated about something that
occurred at home, problems with co-workers
or other situations that can send you out of
control

Phrases that can cause

Problems
You
should

Youre
wrong,

I
demand,

We
wont,

We
never,

You dont
understand
,

You must
be
confused
,

Im too
busy for
this, or

We
cant,
Thats
stupid,

You have
to.

Responding to Anger Crisis Situations

Teachers first priority:
Ensure their personal safety and the
safety of the other students.
Removal of the student, or the audience.
Calm the students down.
After the student has calmed down, and
accepted the relevant consequences for
their actions, it is important to PRIVATELY
discuss their behavior with them.