Grading yourself post school year enables you to view your classroom management performance objectively. It provides clarity and self-awareness. It allows you to hone in on your weaknesses and reflect on how they can become strengths. What follows is a report card based on … Read more
So you’re cruising along having a good day and a student pokes you with a stick. “What you said isn’t true.” “Shelby didn’t deserve a consequence.” “My old teacher did it this way.“ Statements like these, spoken with attitude, are meant to goad you … Read more
In this day and age, it’s easy to get distracted by what’s happening in the world. So many controversial issues and differing opinions. So much anger and vitriol. But for the sake of your students, it’s best to set it all aside the moment … Read more
In sports, it is said that unless you’re getting better you’re getting worse. It’s true in education as well. Homeostasis doesn’t exist, nor should it ever be your goal. Your push for continual improvement keeps the intrinsic fires burning. It keeps misbehavior at bay … Read more
In The Happy Teacher Habits, I covered several ways to leave work at a decent hour. This is important because it . . . Lowers stress. Makes the job more enjoyable. Frees you to enjoy your family and hobbies. Helps you avoid burnout. Gives … Read more
Daily visualization will make you a calmer, more effective teacher. And it works immediately. Try it just once before school and you’ll have an easier day of teaching. Here’s how to do it: 1. Close your classroom door. 2. Sit or stand in place. … Read more
It’s tough to be a teacher right now. Pressure from all sides. More and more and more on your plate. Misbehavior and disrespect on the rise. It’s no wonder that in a recent survey half of all teachers are thinking about quitting the profession. … Read more
The pandemic has wreaked havoc on our students. Stuck at home for months. A year or more of lost learning. Socially stunted. Screen addicted. Anxious. Fearful. Depressed. Pacing like a bear in a zoo. Then poked, masked, separated, and dipped in sanitizer. Told their … Read more