While observing your class gather materials for a science experiment, you notice a student kicking the heels of the boy in front of them. But because you’re in the good habit of letting misbehavior play out, you decide to watch a bit longer before … Read more
Encouraging students is in our DNA. It’s part and parcel to our educational culture. It’s what we do. We teach a lesson and then we encourage. “You can do it.” “Just keep working and you’ll get it.” “I believe in you.” And in the … Read more
A student points their finger inches from your face and teasingly says, “I’m mad at you. That homework last night was hard!” Or . . . A student raises their hand and commands you to “Tell John to stop bothering me.” In either case … Read more
The picture of an entire class lost in their work is the most beautiful sight in teaching. Because it’s irrefutable proof that your lesson was effective, and that learning, deep and meaningful, is taking place. Sadly, it’s a scene that rarely plays out. Most … Read more
Most teachers are hyperaware of their most difficult students—and well they should be. It’s smart to know where they are and what they’re doing. But this awareness can cause you to behave oddly around them. It can cause you to glare and glower in … Read more
A teacher walks wordlessly with one of her most challenging students. They’re on the playground and it’s recess time. Some distance away the rest of the class laughs and plays and loses themselves in games of tetherball and foursquare. From a distance you might … Read more
It’s standard practice. You catch a student in the act of misbehavior and you move in to redirect them. You physically intervene. You stop them in their tracks. You lean down, explain what they did wrong, and then guide them down the proper path. … Read more
Teaching is important, to be sure. But if you’re not careful, this fact can weigh heavily. It can cause you to wrap an unhealthy amount of your identity into your job. It can cause you to be distracted around your friends and family. It … Read more