Why Struggling Students Misbehave (And What Teachers Miss)
Many students who misbehave aren't looking for attention—they're carrying burdens most people never see. In this conversation with youth empowerment speaker Lawrence C. Harris, we explore how trauma, confidence, journaling, and purpose can help teachers better understand the students who need them the most.
8/15/2026
When a student acts out in class, our first instinct is often to focus on the behavior.
How do I stop it?
What's the consequence?
How do I get the class back on track?
Those are fair questions. But after talking with youth empowerment speaker Lawrence C. Harris, I was reminded that behavior is often just the surface of a much deeper story.
Lawrence shared how severe bullying, childhood abuse, and mental health struggles shaped his early years. Looking at him today, you'd never guess it. He's positive, encouraging, and spends his life helping students build confidence and purpose. But that transformation didn't happen overnight. Therapy, journaling, and years of intentional growth helped him become the person he is today.
One part of our conversation really stuck with me.
He said many struggling students aren't "bad kids." They're trying to communicate pain they don't know how to put into words. As teachers, we often see the disruption without seeing what's driving it.
That doesn't mean we lower expectations. Good classroom management still requires structure, consistency, and accountability. But it does remind us that discipline works best when it's paired with understanding.
I also loved Lawrence's practical advice for teachers. He encouraged students to journal because writing helps them organize emotions they may not yet understand. He also suggested creating simple opportunities for students to share positive moments from their lives. Those small conversations can help students feel seen and connected.
One of my favorite parts of the interview was his explanation of confidence. Confidence isn't something you're born with. It's built through repeated experiences and by keeping promises you make to yourself. That's a lesson our students—and honestly, many adults—need to hear.
As teachers, we'll never know every battle our students are fighting. But we can create classrooms that are safe, predictable, and encouraging. Sometimes one caring adult can become the turning point in a student's life.
A few reminders from this conversation:
📓 Look beyond the behavior before making assumptions.
❤️ Give students opportunities to express themselves.
💪 Help students build confidence through small, consistent wins.
🌱 Remember that your influence often reaches far beyond academics.
If you'd like to watch the full conversation where Lawrence and I dive deeper into these ideas, click below.
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwxmUC249cM&list=UULFQOIbqNhb_gseSVU6bE3uUA