Well, I did not torture anyone, but this one eighth grader might disagree, and will never forget.
I was teaching Middle School Math. Yes, I actually enjoyed teaching them. The best way to describe them is “they are aliens.” All of the hormones are starting, and it drives them crazy.
So.....this one eighth grader (Joseph) would not settle down. Nothing outrageous, but enough to interrupt the others. I called mom after school and she devised a great way to deal with it. She said that the next time he is acting up, just call mom right away. So, the next time came. I just mosied over to my desk, still engaged in the lesson. I called mom and then, holding up the phone, told the student that the call was for him. He was very surprised, and at first disbelieving. I said it was his mom. The ENTIRE class sat up straight and correct. While Joe’s mom was reading him the riot act over the phone, the class was dead silent. Eventually, one other student declared “you can’t call my mom!” I believe it was a cry for mercy. Please do not call my mom.
Joseph behaved better.
While Joe’s mom was reading him the riot act over the phone
And here we have another aspect of the problem. Too many parents ... particularly mothers ... simply cannot fathom, utterly deny, bitterly reject ... the very IDEA that Little Suzy or Little Johnny is anything other than a perfect angel and the smartest kid in the class. Especially when Little Suzy or Little Johnny is a sub-normal troublemaker.