I started SCM in 2009. Since then I’ve heard every possible reason why you can’t be good at classroom management.
Although some circumstances are more challenging than others, none hold water.
The truth is, you can have the class you want. I’ve done it over and over again and know of thousands of other SCM teachers who’ve done the same.
So in this article, I’m going on record.
What follows are the most common reasons the doubters say it’s impossible to have a polite, well-behaved class
- I work in a Title 1 School.
- I teach middle school (or 1st grade, 9th grade, etc.)
- I have 14 students with learning disabilities.
- I have 11 students with ADHD.
- I have mostly boys in my class.
- I don’t have administrative support.
- I don’t look like my students.
- I’m too young (or too old).
- My students’ parents don’t care.
- My students speak nine different languages.
- My students have no respect, don’t care about school, can’t listen, etc.
These are challenges. Nearly every teacher must deal with them. But they don’t determine success 0r failure.
The real reason teachers struggle with classroom management isn’t because of outside circumstances. It’s because they lack knowledge.
Only by learning and applying what actually works will they see the light. Only by experiencing success can they finally throw away the excuses holding them back and embrace the career they really want.
If this is you, my advice is to learn SCM principles first. The Classroom Management Secret and one of our classroom management plans is the best place to start.
PS – Check out this week’s YouTube videos:
1. Most Behavior Problems Start in the First 5 Minutes
2. Stop Building Relationships with Students
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