Grading yourself post school year enables you to view your classroom management performance objectively.
It provides clarity and self-awareness.
It allows you to hone in on your weaknesses and reflect on how they can become strengths.
What follows is a report card based on the core principles of SCM. Give yourself a grade of A through F on each to the degree they were accomplished.
I think you’ll find the exercise helpful.
1. I consistently followed my classroom management plan ____
2. I enforced consequences calmly and objectively (like a referee) ____
3. I refrained from all forms of intimidation, including yelling, scolding, glaring, and lecturing ____
4. I built strong rapport with my class through my consistent kindness and pleasant personality ____
5. I praised my students only for work, effort, and performance that was truly worthy of it ____
6. I eschewed external rewards in favor of intrinsic motivation ____
7. I taught routines thoroughly and held my class accountable for performing them with excellence ____
8. I had a positive, influential relationship with my most challenging students ____
9. I was dependably able to get my class to listen attentively and follow my directions ____
10. I taught compelling lessons and then shifted responsibility over to my students ____
11. I allowed my class to work independently with the least amount of interference from me ____
12. I prepared efficiently and had ample time to spend with my family and the hobbies I enjoy ____
13. I experienced a minimal amount of stress throughout the school year ____
14. I had fun and enjoyed my students every day ____
15. I created a peaceful, happy classroom my students loved being part of ____
Promise
I recommend making a list of areas in most need of improvement. Jot down a heading of each on their own separate sheet of paper or Word document.
Then, create a set of steps to turn them into strengths.
If you need help, use the Search box at top or the archive in the sidebar at right to access dozens of articles on each topic.
Break down your steps as small and simple as possible. Review them periodically over the summer, and then just prior to the new year, commit to following them.
Make a promise to yourself, come what may, and you’ll be a better, stronger teacher next year.
PS – Click this link if you’d like a PDF copy of the report card.
I am transitioning to teaching all grades in a science lab. What section would be a good resource for discipline for all levels and seeing students once a week
Yes, I taught multi-level students. It is my evaluation that I was at least ninety-five precent accurate in mastering your list above. Thank you! Let us plan for another successful year (2022-2023).
I have trouble with appropriate consequences. Do you have suggestions?
Oh my goodness I give way too many chances. If I discipline every time a 4th grader talks or calls out, I look like the meanest teacher ever. My students would hate me. I just can’t get past that. I know they end up walking all over me as a result. I don’t know how to fix that. Could it be a lack of confidence in myself that causes this? I’m so much a caretaker. I kinda think that goes with the profession. But I got really bad grades on this report card. A lot of people say that many 4th graders are actually like 2nd graders because of Covid. It really felt that way to me. Such a giant lack of motivation. I felt like I was begging students to learn and work. I’m teaching 5th grade next year and departmentalizing. I don’t know what kind of consequence to give. I started using a money system so I would have something to motivate and discipline with. I can’t just keep taking away recess time. Other ideas please???
Spend some time reading on the Smart Classroom Management site. It’ll take some courage but you can see a huge change in yourself and your students when you commit to the management principles you learn here. It really helps you to be MORE of the teacher you want to be. You can do it and you will be glad you did!
I grade hard and I give myself a C+. I’m still working on lots of areas but my administrator has seen such a great response with our students as I’ve implemented this classroom management that she asked me to share what I’m doing with our staff.