As the adult, you have to find some area to build common ground. There is a relationship builder called the two-minute student whereby you select a student who is a behavior problem or, in this case, difficult to get along with, and purposefully set aside two minutes each day for 10 days to relate to them. I attempted this with a student this year, and it has worked tremendously well to improve his behavior in my class.

As the teacher, this may happen often. While we all have very different personalities, most of the time we will mesh with one another. Often, I feel, when personalities do not mesh, we start to really focus on those reasons why personalities differ, and focus on those instances that the conflict arises. As the teacher, I would do a inventory as to why the personalities don't mesh. Is it because the student is blunt, and outspoken, and questions everything? Does the student take everything literal? These characteristics are often frowned upon, but the person means no harm. I would try to find things that we both have in common or activities/hobbies that we both like. Some place to find common ground and remind myself of these things as often as I can. I would also just try to be as understanding as I could, especially when the student means no harm.

I think as an adult and teacher it is our job to be the 'bigger person'. We need to understand that students are not born to have the attitudes they have. Something has cause them to develop this personality, either learning from someone in their lives or just from the lack of care that they have been given in their lifetime. As a teacher, we need to make sure that we keep that in mind and care for our students. The more care we give them the more layers of hurt and pain that has developed will start breaking down.

Try to find something in common with the student and try your best to be the bigger person

Unfortunately, it is not possible to get a long with everyone. However, as the teacher it is your responsibility to make all of your students feel welcomed and accepted in your classroom. One thing that I have done in each classroom that I have been in is to learn one thing about each student. It could be something they like to do, what their siblings names are, or what their favorite subject it. When you create an appropriate relationship with your students it can help you understand the reasons for their behaviors. It also creates an understanding between you and the students and hopefully helps in the behavior outbursts.

You can start my making this quote your new mantra "I can't change other people. I can only control myself." You need to deal with the student by trying to understand where they are coming from. You need to have compassion in a way that you know they are different or wrong but choose to work around the issue and not try and force your way. You need to respond in a way that will help this issue and not make a bigger one. As a teacher you will have many different personalities walk into your classroom and you may not mesh with a few but you cant let that get in the way of your teaching. You are there to do a job so do it in the best possible way you can.

You're the adult, you'll have to make the compromises. It's not your job to be best buddies with your students, but to educate them. You shouldn't ever let something such as "personalities that mesh" get in the way of or affect your teaching.

As many have said be the bigger person but also be the flexible one. For most students they are still just kids or even the infamous teenager, some of the time they might not even know why they don't mesh with you or why you act the way you do. The important part is that as a teacher you are in charge and are trying to help them do their bests.

There is always something you can find that you have in common with the student. Additionally, it is important to reflect on yourself during these times. Why do you not mesh? What has transpired in your room that has led to disagreement or confrontation that has allowed you notice this difference in personality? As a professional, it is important to avoid situations in which this difference is exposed. It's important to not allow the student to get to you, especially in front of the other students, in order to prevent this behavior from spreading.

The teacher is a professional. There are many students that won't be your favorites but the teacher must find ways to relate to the student.

Sometimes you will have students you do not mesh with. Even though the two of you constantly butt heads, you need to always try to get through to this student. Think of it as a personal challenge.