I anonymously observed a staff development day recently. The focus was on everything but academics. Instead, it was the usual mishmash of social and emotional well-being. This led to a decision to lower school-wide standards. “Students can take a break and leave the classroom … Read more
“My students are social butterflies.” “Chatting is their learning style.” “They’re an expressive, creative bunch.” These statements and others like them are said as way of explanation. They are the reasons given for why the teacher is frequently interrupted. And why the class is … Read more
After the first two or three weeks of school you may be lulled into thinking that you have a great class. But too often, it’s the moment it all goes awry. I see it year after year. Teachers beaming and chatty at early staff … Read more
One of the tenets of SCM is to give only worthy praise. What is worthy? Here at SCM we define it as work or performance greater than an individual student has done before. In this way, you ensure that it provides the student helpful … Read more
If you’re a regular reader of SCM, then you’ll no doubt take your time teaching your classroom management plan. You’ll model what is and isn’t okay. You’ll provide examples. You’ll shore up gray areas and show your new class what not to do. This … Read more
To be an effective teacher in this day and age, you’ve got to be mentally tough. You’ve got to be able to say no. You’ve got to be able to follow your classroom management plan as written and maintain a calm disposition. If you’ve … Read more
Just letting you know up front that this isn’t easy. Every fiber of your body will scream “No, I can’t do it!” But it works. In fact, it can be transformational. It can be the one thing keeping you from becoming the teacher you … Read more
You can call them myths or fallacies or misconceptions. But they are ensconced in the teaching psyche. They persist year after year despite our efforts here at SCM. So with this article—and perhaps more to come—we’ll set the record straight. What follows are three … Read more