It’s thrown around a lot. “You must have high expectations.” “High expectations are the key!” “Keep your expectations through the roof.” But what does it really mean? It seems obvious, but the term has been repeated so often and for so long that its … Read more
There is a common trait among teachers who struggle with classroom management. Not every struggling teacher has it. The vast majority, however, do. I’ve mentioned this trait before and its effect on giving consequences. But the problems actually go much deeper. So deep, in … Read more
Readers have asked this question again and again over the years. And I can certainly understand why. It’s a decision that can cause you to second guess yourself either way. Darned if you do and darned if you don’t. However, there is a third … Read more
In this age of distraction . . . Of smartphones and Instagram. Of texting and Snapchat. Of clickbait and information overload. . . . being able to focus on one thing for an extended period of time is a superpower. It gives you a … Read more
“Why do we have to raise our hands?” “Why can’t we talk in the hallway?” “Why do we have to do it like that.” It can feel, depending on their tone of voice, disrespectful. It can feel as if they’re trying to put you … Read more
There are teachers who seem blessed with natural charisma. The lucky ones. They with the easy charm. The effortlessness vibe. The secret something that causes students to want to please them and behave for them. Must be nice, huh? But the truth is, they’re … Read more
There is a secret to effective teaching very few teachers are aware of. It’s so secret, in fact, that I’ve never heard anyone speak of it. As far as I know, it’s never been written about. It’s never been touted by instructional coaches or … Read more
There is a phenomenon I see again and again in the classrooms I visit. As attention starts to wane . . . Eyelids droop. Fingers tap. Bodies sigh. . . . the teacher will speed up their instruction. They’ll talk and move faster as … Read more