Things happen. Interruptions fall from the sky. Events and incidents out of your control invade your well-ordered peace like the hordes of Cimbri. A fire alarm. A student yelling outside your classroom. A schedule change. A recess downpour. Colleagues you count on drop the … Read more
Your temperament will transfer to your students like Covid in a college dorm. Thus, your calmness from opening bell to dismissal is critical. That isn’t to say that you can’t be enthusiastic about your subject matter or that you shouldn’t emote, playact, and express … Read more
There is a simple way to improve classroom culture that works fast but actually moves the needle. To be clear, by improving culture, I’m referring to raising levels of . . . Respect Politeness Empathy Responsibility Work Habits The strategy I’m going to share … Read more
Once in a great while, especially in the first few weeks of the school year, your students may test you to see if you really, really do mean what you say. Or sometimes there is bad luck involved . . . A fire drill. … Read more
What if while on vacation a coconut fell from a tree, bonked you on the head, and took away your ability to get annoyed at your students? You’d never lecture again. You’d never sigh, glare, or shake your head in frustration. You’d never scold … Read more
You can’t just talk about your teaching-related stress. You have to do something about it. You have to make changes. Hoping it’s going to be better this year isn’t a solution. Only action will yield results. The power is in the doing, not the … Read more
There is a choice you can make today that will insulate you from all school-related drama and politics. It will also transform how your colleagues view you. I must emphasize that it is a liberating choice, a glorious choice, a choice that will improve … Read more
Sagging pants are a problem in the classroom. They’re a problem because they bring an attitude of rebelliousness. You’ve seen it yourself. When a student sags their pants, they behave differently than when they don’t sag their pants. “But Michael, it’s an expression! It’s … Read more