1. Meeting with
Difficult Student
Difficult Students
Meetings

2. Who we are and who we’re not
• Jack Hobson, Loyola Marymount University
• Denise Kinsella, Santa Monica College
• Ryan Larsen, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
• We’re not psychologists or therapists; rather,
we’re international educators who have been
in the trenches.

3. Learning Outcomes
 Identify difficult students
 Prepare yourself
 Set expectations
 Meet and de-escalate difficult
interactions.
 Case studies.

4. Difficult Behaviors
• Hostile • Arrogant
• Defensive • Ramblers
• Mean • Silent
• Aggressive • Inappropriate
• Puts down others • Violent
• Shouts • Blamer
• Bullies • Can’t be wrong
• Spoiled • Mistrustful
• Cynical • Martyr
• Won’t listen • Cognitive
disability

5. Preparing Yourself

6. Eleanor Roosevelt said that “No one can make
us feel inferior without our consent.”

7. Self Care

9. Compliment
Apologize
Support Be Nimble
Be Creative
Stay Grounded
Stay on Their Side

10. Setting Expectations

14. Empower Parents to Engage Appropriately

16. The Meeting/De-escalation

17. Notify
Staff
Safe
Word
Arrange
Backup
Open Bags
Doors Outside

18. Affirmation
Calm Environment
Review Notes

19. Validate
Hold
the
Space
Ask
Reflect
Affirm
Listen

20. Review Define Offer
Policies Limits Creative
Solutions

21. Insist on Respectful
Behavior
Reschedule
Meeting
Document
Prepare

22. Enforce
Consequences
Get Help
End
Meeting