Michael is 15 and repeating the ninth grade. He habitually tilts his chair back and drums annoyingly on his desk with a pencil. This morning, he was doing it--again--while you were trying to teach. What will you do? Responsive teachers shift their reactions in important ways. They adopt a social emotional lens: What does Michael's tapping say about his mood? Is he bored or frustrated? Does the tapping bother other students, or just me? It's also important to know students and develop cultural competency. Is Michael comforted by percussive rhythms? Maybe you could encourage him to join the band. The third shift calls for planning and delivering effective student-centered instruction. For instance, what kinesthetic or rhythmic learning strategies might engage Michael? Move the paradigm from punishment to development by determining what initial expectations--like not drumming for 10 minutes--Michael can meet. Finally, resist the criminalization of school behavior. Consider the consequences Michael will face if he misses class because he is suspended. These five responsive shifts in teacher thinking apply even as a student's behavior escalates--and they can be the key to rerouting the school-to-prison pipeline.