I anonymously observed a staff development day recently. The focus was on everything but academics. Instead, it was the usual mishmash of social and emotional well-being. This led to a decision to lower school-wide standards. “Students can take a break and leave the classroom … Read more
To be an effective teacher in this day and age, you’ve got to be mentally tough. You’ve got to be able to say no. You’ve got to be able to follow your classroom management plan as written and maintain a calm disposition. If you’ve … Read more
Just letting you know up front that this isn’t easy. Every fiber of your body will scream “No, I can’t do it!” But it works. In fact, it can be transformational. It can be the one thing keeping you from becoming the teacher you … Read more
You can call them myths or fallacies or misconceptions. But they are ensconced in the teaching psyche. They persist year after year despite our efforts here at SCM. So with this article—and perhaps more to come—we’ll set the record straight. What follows are three … Read more
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