When I first entered the classroom as a first-year teacher, I didn’t know what I was doing. Then, as now, teacher ed programs did a terrible job preparing new teachers. However, either by chance or by providence, I had an advantage. And this made … Read more
Here at SCM, we hear from them a lot. Sometimes in the comment section. Often via email or social media channels. The naysayers. The doubters. The excuse-makers. Pointing the finger at everyone and every thing but themselves. You could show them classroom after classroom … Read more
To be an effective teacher, you must be able to get your students’ silent attention anytime you want. If you struggle to do this, then it’s a sign you have poor classroom management. I’ve visited thousands of classrooms and this is always the case. … Read more
All students want to like their teacher. But most of them don’t. The main reason isn’t because they find them boring. It isn’t because they think they’re too strict or too uptight. It’s isn’t even because their teacher is cringy, nerdy, and uncool. Before … Read more
Hello Teachers & Principals, Thank you for your support of Smart Classroom Management! 2025 was an especially productive year. The number of schools and districts fully adopting SCM increased dramatically. Unstressed: How to Teach Without Worry, Fear, and Anxiety was published and has become … Read more
Note: This week’s YouTube video, The Secret to a Well-Behaved Class, is an important one that applies to all classrooms (K-12). It’s a must watch. Now, on with today’s article: We’re down to a week or so before holiday vacation, which means we’re nearing the … Read more
Public education is a mess. Toxic coddling has destroyed it. There is no “rigor” or accountability. Standards are staggeringly low and students have few boundaries. If you speak up on campus, you’re either ignored or gaslighted. Every approved and accepted method of classroom management … Read more
It’s not because it’s unnatural to you. It’s not because of your age, lack of experience, or personality. It’s not because of where you work or how many challenging students are on your roster. The reason you’re bad at classroom management is because you … Read more