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Forum Faculty Podcast

Discipline vs. Punishment

In this episode of the Forum Faculty Podcast, Tom Cox hosts a discussion on the nuances of discipline versus punishment in educational settings with guests Jeff Thompson, Elias Naegele, and Joel Sellier. They share personal anecdotes and insights from their extensive teaching experience, emphasizing the importance of individualized approaches and the need for empathy in effective discipline. The conversation also highlights the role of parental involvement and administrative support in creating a balanced and supportive environment for students.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions

02:19 Defining Discipline vs. Punishment

03:23 First-Year Teaching Experiences

06:35 Classroom Management Strategies

14:15 Mentoring and Personal Connections

17:51 Balancing Discipline and Empathy

26:41 Respecting Boys as They Grow

27:45 Understanding Personality Types

28:35 The Role of Parents in Discipline

29:03 Challenges in Public School Discipline

30:41 Cultural Differences in Discipline

31:17 The Importance of Consistent Discipline

37:23 Discipline in Sports and Academics

39:11 Personal Involvement in Discipline

41:41 Balancing Discipline and Punishment

46:10 Concluding Thoughts on Discipline

About the Authors

Jeff Thompson

Science

Jeff has a BS degree from New Hampshire College/Southern New Hampshire University, where he was a four-year letter holder for the men’s basketball team. Before returning to The Heights in 2024, Jeff had previously taught here, beginning in 2002. For a decade and a half, he taught in the middle school faculty. Jeff and his wife, Dominique Dawes Thompson, operate gymnastics academies across the DMV and have four children.

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Elias Naegele

Fourth Grade Homeroom

In addition to his responsibilities in the Lower School, Elias coaches high school baseball and directs Heights Frontiers, an outdoor adventure program.

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Joel Sellier

Director of Summer Programs, Math
Joel Sellier joined the faculty of The Heights School in 2004. He is the Director of Summer Programs, as well as an upper school math and computer science teacher. Mr. Sellier’s classes include Geometry, Intro to Computer Science and Business Computing Applications. He also coaches the varsity golf team. Mr. Sellier graduated from The College of W...
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