Like people in many occupations, teachers often feel increasingly constrained by bureaucratic rules. In a recent address to the New York Historical Society, the prominent lawyer Philip Howard noted that teachers reported spending half the time in the classroom keeping order because their authority was undermined by students’ “rights.” According to Howard, “We live in a society in which a teacher is afraid to discipline an eighth grader for fear of infringing his rights.”

Teachers, parents, and students may have differing points of view regarding Howard’s remarks.  It is probably true that teachers feel highly constrained, while many students probably feel that they don’t have enough freedom in the classroom.  Parents may be in the middle, wanting their children to have structure, but concerned about possible abuse of authority by teachers.

Let us know where you stand.  Please indicate whether you are responding as a teacher, a parent, or a student.