Okay, so there is a strategy I’ve been using every first day of school that I can remember. I’ve never written about it. But lately I’ve been sharing it with my coaching clients. It seems to resonate with them. As I explain it, I … Read more
If you don’t know exactly what does and doesn’t constitute breaking your class rules—with zero gray area—then you can’t be consistent. You also can’t be trustworthy or manage your classroom effectively. Just the way it is. Luckily, there is something you can do this … Read more
I’ve written about angry parents, complaining parents, uncaring parents, and overly chatty parents—and how best to deal with each. But never bully parents. So I thought I’d stick with the theme of the past two weeks and take on what is an incredibly stressful … Read more
If the comments and emails from last week are any indication, there are a lot of bully principals out there. I’ve certainly met a few. They come in every size and shape, stripe and strata of education. And although their methods of torment may … Read more
This article is a long time coming. It’s been on the list of most-requested topics for several years now, and it’s high time we cover it. But it’s also been at the forefront of my mind. You see, a colleague recently tried to bully … Read more
This has been the most requested topic so far this year. And it’s an important one. Independent practice is the most critical factor in developing academic skill and competency. Done right, it can also profoundly affect maturity, mental toughness, and enjoyment of learning. So … Read more
The most common approach to an especially difficult class is to lower the bar. It’s to let the minor stuff go. It’s to appease and tiptoe, pick your battles and keep a lid on the classroom. The idea is that if you show you’re … Read more
It’s easy to admire teachers with the gift of gab, high social IQ, and ability to build rapport so quickly. We look at them and think, “I could never do that.” And you’re probably right. But here’s the thing: You don’t have to. In … Read more