“Knowing what must be done does away with fear.” -Rosa Parks
Consistency is everything to your success.
Because, if you’re wishy-washy, if you let things go and fail to follow through on your promises—
Then your students won’t trust you.
They won’t listen to you. They won’t respect you. They’ll talk while you talk and misbehave behind your back.
Just the way it is.
Which is why here at SCM we place so much emphasis on being consistent.
Not just more consistent, but every-single-time consistent. It’s the bedrock upon which a happy, well-behaved classroom is built.
If you haven’t read our previous articles on the topic, I encourage you to do so. They’ve helped many teachers finally find that missing piece of the classroom management puzzle.
And they can do the same for you.
But there is another key to being consistent I have yet to write about. It’s one I’ve been reluctant to share outside of my coaching practice. Because, you see, it isn’t a strategy per se.
It isn’t something you apply or put into practice. It’s something you possess, on the inside. It’s a trait nobody talks about but the most effective teachers share.
It’s mental toughness.
It’s intestinal fortitude. It’s moxie, chutzpah, tenacity, grit, mettle. It’s the mama bear who will do whatever it takes to protect her cubs. It’s the calm, kindly teacher with the heart of a lion beating within.
It’s that part of you that says, “I will do this!”
But what if you don’t feel it? What if your confidence is shot or you’re worn out and jaded or you fear student or parent push-back? What if you’ve walked on eggshells for so long that you don’t think you have it in you?
There is only one way. There is only one way to acquire the internal strength that will enable you to be the confident, consistent leader your students can count on.
You must change your perspective.
You must pull your focus away from the minutia of the job, from the petty nuisances, hassles, and responsibilities, and take in the big picture. Get a bird’s eye view.
Because this is a job that matters.
There is a group of students who show up to your classroom every day who badly need you to be good at your job—for their future and their own ability to impact others and lead meaningful lives.
Remembering that you are part of something bigger than yourself is what Brendon Burchard, a high performance coach who works with CEOs, athletes, and entertainers like Usher and Oprah, calls “raising your necessity.”
You were put where you are for a purpose.
It’s a duty and obligation to a higher call. A mission, if you will, that when seen from above obliterates the uncertainty and the fear. It lays waste to the excuses and justifications. It stiffens your backbone.
It becomes not just something you should do or want to do or wish you did. It becomes something you must do, need to do, have to do.
It’s your big why.
Never, ever forgetting why you became a teacher in the first place, and wearing it like a cape and shield, will give you the strength to toss aside any and all resistance to being fully committed to your classroom management plan.
It will give you power, energy, and a welling of courage, boldness, and righteous anger to do right by your students. To take a stand for them.
To be consistent, every second of every day.
“I will protect every student’s right to learn and enjoy school and that’s just the way it’s going to be.”
PS – The Smart Classroom Management Way is finally finished and will be available on May 7th.
Also, if you haven’t done so already, please join us. It’s free! Click here and begin receiving classroom management articles like this one in your email box every week.
This is truly what we need today in the classroom, in our homes, and in most importantly in our lives.
Thanks for always staying on target!!
I the high school management plan editable? Will I be able to type in notes to myself in each section.?
I love your articles.
Melissa
Thanks Melissa! No, it’s not.
Thank you for the message. Needed to hear this especially this week!
I so needed this as well.
You’re welcome, Cris! Good to hear from you.
I teach at a UK academy thank you for these suggestions, tips and advice. Now the hard work starts with me.
Michael,
Are you ever able to do school visits or on-site inservice meetings? If so, how can this be arranged? Your work has had a HUGE impact on my teaching, and on our faculty. It would be a dream come true to have you visit us, and see the changes we are trying to make in education.
Thank you!
Diana Yates
Alturas International Academy Charter School
Idaho Falls, ID
Hi Diana,
Yes, I do a Q&A style inservice to really get to the heart of the issues teachers and schools are having. I’ll email you and let you know the details.
Michael,
What a revelation that when applied, will turn around every aspect in our lives.
Good teaching. a message well spoken.
Thank You!
Thanks for reading, Dora!
Hi Michael,
I have every publication you have written and have a folder dedicated to your emails. I have adjusted my classroom management to more closely reflect your advice year after year. I must say, I am really reaping the benefits and enjoying my teaching still; I am in my 10th year.
I was wondering if you had considered branching out to include some practical pointers and advice for parents? I’d imagine that many of the same principles would apply?! As a teacher, I find that my students are excellent for me, but discover from their parents that they are not so well-behaved at home. Perhaps a future endeavour?
Thank you so much for making all of this available for us teachers. It is truly appreciated and “diamonds in the rough” quagmire that teaching can sometimes present!
Thanks Lawrence! That’s a great suggestion. It is one of the many ideas we’re kicking around.
Great article Michael. I discuss a similar approach in my new book entitled Building Bridges: Engaging Students At Risk Through the Power of Relationships. I call it “Developing A Relationship Building Mindset” with your students. Your articles are on point and very beneficial. Please keep up the inspiring work you are doing.
Thanks Don! Best of luck with your book.
This article is spot-on, as usual. The thing is, Michael, what if you don’t feel that confidence, even after reminding yourself of how essential your job is? My backbone has crumbled.
Hi Bracha,
There are a number of things you can do. (Visualization is a good one). But I’ll be sure to revisit this topic soon. It’s an important one.
Love this article!
Thanks Penny!
This was “spot on”. Thanks for sharing this.
You’re welcome, Jeanine.
I work in a co-teaching classroom. Do you have any suggestions/insights regarding consistency when there are two or more adults working in the same room? I have followed your ideas for a couple of years, and firmly believe in them, but am unsure of how to get the other adults in our classroom to live it, believe in it, and to follow through consistently.
This is absolutely wonderful to read! It appears here as if it’s a vindication of my decision to continue as a teacher, doing what I love and enjoy – being with children and reciprocating their faith and love for me.
I am an avid reader and follower of SCM and relate to the thoughts and insights by Michael Linsin.
I also share the link regularly amongst my fellow teachers in our WhatsApp group chat window.
Thank you for the great articles and community building that you are doing so well!
I Appreciate your kind words, Deepika. Thank you for being a regular reader.
As a first year teacher, who has been striving to become an educator for over 13 years, I’m depleted and exhausted from this year. I’m deeply discouraged and worried maybe I am just minimally effective. I’ve been dealing with major defiance and attention issues from many of my students and I work in a tough school. I read your articles but have such a hard time implementing them because of the constant disruptions and feels of overwhelm in my class. I would love some real coaching and help. Thanks!
Hi Vicki,
We do offer personal coaching. See the link at top along the menu bar.