There is a common mistake teachers make on the first day of school that sets in motion bad student habits and misbehaviors that can last the rest of the school year. That’s a big statement, I know. But this one particular mistake will be … Read more
Teacher burnout, which happens when stress and mental fatigue become more than occasional companions, strikes many thousands of teachers every year. Reports suggest roughly half of all teachers quit within five years. And it’s no wonder. Burnout saps joy from teaching, makes effective classroom … Read more
If you’re a regular reader of this website, then you know that effective classroom management doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need elaborate charts. You don’t need an incentive system. And you don’t need to beg, bribe, or threaten students to behave. But … Read more
If you’re struggling with classroom management and wondering why, one of the first areas to examine is the personality you bring with you to the classroom. Many teachers become different people the minute their students walk through the door. Sometimes this is a good … Read more
Chances are one of your students is being bullied. And if you’re like most teachers, you’re either unaware of it or you don’t know how to stop it. This is why bullying has become epidemic. The teacher is the only one in position to … Read more
Questions are the lifeblood of learning; they mustn’t be discouraged. But yet, if left unchecked and unopposed, they can throw you far off topic, cause boredom and restlessness, and slow learning to a crawl. Though more art than science, it’s possible to trim the … Read more
Your lesson ends, the recess bell rings, and you release your students to the playground to let off some steam. But on the way you notice one of your students, call him Anthony, rudely shoving others aside on his way out the door. How … Read more
Many teachers, even seasoned veterans, have a fear of talking to parents about their child’s misbehavior. Generally, they’re afraid of three things: The parent (or parents) will get angry and defensive. The parent will question their competence. The parent will complain and make demands. … Read more