Uncovering Cheating Scandals - Advice For First Time Teachers

Nothing can be more unnerving for a teacher than catching a student cheating.
The feelings of betrayal and the breech of trust that takes place can weigh heavily on a teacher's mind.
When you multiply that feeling by two or even 10 or more, that's how you'll feel when you uncover a cheating scandal in your class.
Catching just one student is bad enough, but sometimes it's a conspiracy and you'll find that a bulk of your class has been less than honest on your tests.
Here is how to handle yourself if this should occur to you.
Be sure to include them all.
If you catch one student cheating, there's a strong likelihood that others are cheating on the same test.
Look for students that scored well on their test, but show little signs of paying attention during lessons.
Also, if it's a test that requires calculations or work to be shown, look to see if the work makes sense, or if the calculations are correct.
Keep your cool.
It will be hard busting students that you've taught for awhile and formed a bond with.
You may feel like they've turned their back to you and really disappointed you.
Since you can't really show these sorts of emotions during class, you may transfer them to feelings of anger and resentment.
You don't want to blow your top when you catch a student cheating.
You want to keep an air of formality.
They cheated, it's a huge offense and will be punished, and you are dumbfounded that they'd even try it in your class.
You want to set the tone that makes the other students never want to cheat in your class for fear of getting caught.
Beware of the fallout.
When you bust a cheating ring in your class you've just multiplied the amount of parents that are going to be involved too.
They may feel that since so many students are cheating in your class, that your material is too difficult.
They will want to blame you for their child's unacceptable behavior.
Stick to your guns on the punishment, but beware that some parents might threaten to sue you or the school over something as serious as cheating.
Even though the students deserve a zero grade on the test, you may have to commute this down a bit when so many students are involved.
Don't hold it against your other classes and students.
It's hard not to be suspicious of your other classes and students when you uncover a cheating scandal.
You don't want to get fooled twice so now everyone becomes a suspect.
You have to go with the attitude that they are innocent until proven guilty and don't make them suffer for crimes they didn't commit.