[monster]

It has been my unfortunate experience that teachers who place great stakes on the compliant behaviour of the children in their class are compensating for their underperformance in other areas. "Look how well i have taught the kids to follow my direction. Therefore it cannot possibly be my fault that their math skills are below average as I am clearly capable of instructing them"

Of course this snippet is of no help to you whatsoever, sorry.

Do you think she's compensating in this way? Could that and the argumentative thing both be covers for her fears that she is inadequate? And if so, do you think maybe finding and praising areas that she is good at/has a better approach to might redirect her? Just like you would do with the kids......