Reply “I appreciate your financial support and for giving me the opportunity to decide your final grade for this course.” Some wise guys need a reality check!

I think you should not overreact. Try to stay calm and try to surprise him or her by using humor. I liked the person’s reply that said, “Then you’re the one I should see about getting a raise.” Sometimes if you respond with humor, the student is shocked into giving you a little smile and having a more pleasant attitude wtih you. Also, I’ve found that if I can find a little bit of time to get to know these problem students, they are much nicer in class. If you are able to establish a rapport with the child, that really helps. I always ask the students to fill in a note card on one of the first days of school. They have to tell me about themselves……favorite food, favorite activity outside of school, favorite TV show, etc. If a student starts causing trouble, I look at his or her card after class to see if I have anything in common with him or her. The next time I see him or her in the hall / at lunch time / etc., I try to start up a pleasant conversation about something they are interested in. This works with a lot of kids, but there are always a few that are tougher to deal with. Seek the help of parents / administration if necessary. But don’t let the student see you get upset!

Good luck!

Avoid the power struggle.

This is not a comment that should be responded to.

Redirect the student back to the task or activity presented

(the likely reason they got irritated and made this inappropriate comment).

Deal with the reason they are upset related to the activity, assignment etc. but yo do not and should not try to justify yourself or your position. Your boss did that by hiring you.

How far I would go would depend on high school or college level.

Either way I would tell the student that he can leave until he is ready to respect you and the other students in the class who want to learn.

Say “Oh no, you don’t” (and he certainly doesn’t).

You are the teacher and you do have authority. It is not the place of a student to challenge it. Who does he think should have authority if not the teacher?

.

Ask him, was that supposed to be funny or smart? I should be getting paid more to deal with a smarty-pants such as yourself but I don’t. So respect me as your educator or get out! If he leaves your adminstration can handle it from there. He should be written up for not respecting authority.

Do nothing. If tempeted with 2 just tell youself you are the teacher saying anything will induce a power struggle and you will not win.

Remind him, unless he owns a home he doesn’t pay you anything.

Remind him that you pay your own salary too (You pay taxes too).

I’d say,”Good, then you’re the one I need to see about a raise.”