Sarah and Tristan Wilson are teachers at Rochester Middle School. They co-chair the Positive Behavior Interventions and Support program, where students are recognized and rewarded for positive behavior. Photo provided by the Wilsons.

By Laurie Lechlitner
InkFreeNews

ROCHESTER — “For many years, educators have zeroed in on discipline for bad behavior,” stated Tristan Wilson, Rochester. “But those of us at Rochester Middle School have chosen to focus on positive behavior, and it’s proving to be transformational to the students. Through our program ‘Positive Behavior Interventions and Support’ we purposefully look for students who are exhibiting good citizenship and reward them.”

Tristan and his wife Sarah Wilson, both teachers at the middle school, are in their second year as co-chairs of the program.

“We look for students excelling in one of these three areas: respect, motivation and social responsibilities,” Sarah explained. “We reward them with either a letter of commendation that gives them access to the PBIS game room, a chance at a raffle, or some Zebra bucks to spend at the school store.”

Tristan continued, “All the teachers are on the lookout for students exhibiting positive behavior. For example, a student who has some behavioral issues is walking down the hallway. They see someone who has dropped their books and folder of papers. Instead of simply walking past, they stop and help them pick up everything. That shows positive social responsibility. We watch for that and reward that person.”

It’s not just for those who have behavioral issues. “Some very good students are rewarded for helping the teacher or getting good marks on a test or paper,” Sarah added. “Our ultimate goal is for the students to exhibit good behavior even when nobody’s looking.”

When the Wilsons came onboard as teachers at the middle school, the PBIS program was already instituted. “In the five years I’ve been teaching at Rochester, I have seen a marked improvement in students’ behavior and achievement. I believe PBIS is a large contributor in the success of the student body,” Tristan added.

The PBIS room has air hockey, a ping-pong table, basketball hoops and a Nintendo Switch, to name just a few areas of interest. “We try to update the games and activities the students have to choose from,” Sarah explained.

The Wilsons have incorporated a few fund-raisers to help raise money for the PBIS program. “We get the proceeds from the dances,” Tristan added. “This year we had a back-to-school dance. We also have a dance each year after our Bell Game between Rochester and Tippecanoe Valley. Teachers have also placed buckets in their classrooms for PBIS. Students put in their spare change. The classroom that has the most money in the bucket will get a chance to place their teacher in the dunk tank.”

Tristan remembers the tough times he had in school when he was growing up. “I remember the few teachers who led me down the right path. They became my heroes. I want to make a positive difference in the lives of my students like they did in my life.”

Tristan teaches the fifth grade STEM class (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), seventh grade engineering, and fifth to 12th grades video production.

Sarah is the sixth grade special education teacher. “I want to be the advocate for my students who are sometimes misunderstood. I want my classroom to be a safe place for kids to learn, and even make mistakes in the process.”

The Wilsons live in Rochester with their dogs Scooter and Rocky.

Those wanting to donate to the PBIS program can email: [email protected].