A New Role: Creating a Philosophy of Discipline

At the end of the school year a few weeks ago brought about the end of one role at my school and the beginning of another. As of now I will no longer be teaching the classroom, but will be assuming an administrative role, as Dean of Students. This means my outlook will change and broaden. As I assume this role, new questions begin to mount. None of those questions is more foundational then my philosophy of discipline. So, then, what is my philosophy of discipline?

I saw a teacher recently who expressed excitement towards my filling this new role at our school. Not really knowing how to take feelings like this I rather brushed off this compliment internally. Then, this teacher gave advice concerning my new role. “Consistency and toughness. Tough, right?” I responded with something like a long pause, followed by, “Yeah…we’ll see.” I’m not sure they liked…