Ace the 2025 PPR TExES Challenge – Empower Your Teaching Superpowers!

Mrs. Jaime should be particularly aware that her students often challenge adult authority, as this reflects a key aspect of social-emotional development during their formative years. At this stage, students are typically striving for independence and seeking to establish their own identities, which can lead them to question and test boundaries. This behavior is a normal part of their growth and helps them develop critical thinking skills and assertiveness.

Understanding this aspect of their development allows Mrs. Jaime to respond appropriately. Instead of seeing it merely as defiance, she can view these challenges as opportunities to engage students in meaningful discussions about rules, expectations, and mutual respect. By creating a supportive environment where students feel heard while also guiding them toward appropriate behavior, she can foster a positive classroom culture.

While it's true that sensitivity to adult criticism, preferences for working alone, and struggles with group work dynamics might also be present in students, the challenge to authority is particularly significant in shaping their social interactions and can greatly influence classroom management and student engagement strategies. Recognizing this as a developmental milestone equips Mrs. Jaime to build stronger relationships with her students and to promote a more collaborative learning environment.