When student behaviors get to be out of control, remain calm. Although the first response may be to shout or react at the same level of hysteria that the students express, doing so is counterproductive and does not allow you to regain control of the students. As such, when insubordination surfaces in the classroom, educators should respond in a calm and controlled manner. That is, avoid yelling or erupting with negative outbursts or threats. Dealing with insubordination is a process that demands tact and strategy.
One of the ways you can respond to insubordinate students is through redirection. Redirecting students to the classroom rules, for instance, points out that the student is not following the expected behaviors. This approach has a more factual basis than a personal one. It is a fact that the student is breaking the rules of the classroom by disrespecting the teacher, as evidenced by the classroom rules. However, when you respond with emotion, it takes the insubordination to a personal level. For effective classroom management, stick with a rule-based system and point out whenever an insubordinate student is breaking one of them.
Deal with insubordination by implementing a warning-and-consequence system. A warning-and-consequence system is that which gives the students a certain number of warnings until a consequence goes into effect. The purpose of the warning is to give the student so many chances to correct his poor behavior. After the chances are used up, the student is subject to the consequence that the teacher decides is appropriate. Examples of consequences can include timeout, lunch-hour detention, after-school detention, suspension from school or getting the student expelled. The various levels of consequences must be appropriate to fit the insubordination -- and must only be enforced with the school principal's permission. For example, repeated instances of insubordination may lead to suspension, but suspension may not be suitable as the first consequence for misbehavior.
Insubordination can evoke responses from students that observe or witness the behavior. Some students act out in class to get negative attention. In order to better manage the classroom, remind other students to not pay attention to the insubordination, and help them focus back to their work. Modifying other student behaviors helps keep the classroom under control and lets the insubordinate student realize that she won't be able to get the attention she seeks.
At some point, repetitive insubordination from the same culprits may warrant the need for parent involvement. Seeking out parental help can allow you to isolate any underlying issues that the student may be experiencing in the home environment, as well as get the parent on board with helping to instill more respect at home.