Dan Shutes, a fifth-grade teacher, has a unique approach to handling students who fall asleep in class: he lets them sleep instead of waking them up. He believes there is often an “underlying reason” for their exhaustion and advocates for empathy over reprimand. Shutes shares a poignant experience with a former student named Billy, who struggled with behavioral issues and came from a challenging home environment. One day, after noticing Billy asleep during class, Shutes chose not to wake him. Later, he learned from the school counselor that Billy had significant responsibilities at home, caring for his younger siblings. When Billy awoke, he was confused but grateful for Shutes’ understanding response. Shutes emphasizes the importance of recognizing the personal struggles students may face rather than assuming laziness, advocating for a supportive and empathetic approach in education.
https://www.yourtango.com/self/fifth-grade-teacher-refuses-wake-kids-up-when-fall-asleep-class
