Amid the pandemic, we’re seeing more and more students shutting down. Refusing to work. Rarely speaking. Staring off in the distance. Often hiding under a hoodie or hair shading their eyes. They need help. But the way most teachers (and counselors) engage these struggling … Read more
If you take misbehavior personally, then you’re weakening your ability to manage your classroom. You’re also: Creating stress. Building resentment. Increasing the odds you’ll lash out at your students. But you’re not alone. Scores of teachers struggle with this. So what to do about … Read more
Over the past year, educational standards have fallen like a rodeo cowboy. It’s not your fault. The pandemic has taken a toll on everything in its wake. But now that students are returning to school, how do we lift the bar back into place? … Read more
A short exercise break can relieve boredom, improve thinking, and reverse the negative health effects of sitting. To be most effective, however, it must be purposeful. It must be targeted in a way that increases your heart rate yet stimulates every muscle in the … Read more
If you’re a regular reader of SCM, and therefore a keen observer of your class, a drop in a student’s grades, performance, and behavior becomes quickly noticeable. We’re used to this, of course. All students have ups and downs over a long school year. … Read more
It’s not just you. Really, it isn’t. Many principals don’t praise anyone. That doesn’t mean that it doesn’t hurt when you’re ignored or your good work goes unnoticed. Whether you’re a veteran or brand-new teacher, everyone appreciates well-earned recognition. Everyone appreciates positive feedback. After … Read more
You pour your heart into your job. You love your students, even when they’re not so lovable. You plan and create interesting lessons and deliver them with energy. So when a student complains, often within full earshot of the class, it can be infuriating. … Read more
Maybe you haven’t been as consistent lately. Maybe you’ve lost a bit of control. Whatever the reason, it can sneak up on you quickly. Before you know it, so many students are calling out without raising their hand that it becomes impossible to enforce. … Read more