At some point, unfair criticism happens to everybody. Especially if you’re a newer teacher or new to a school and have yet to establish your reputation. Maybe your principal saw something out of context. Maybe they witnessed a few students acting up outside of … Read more
It’s official. A culture of pressure and stress has infected the teaching profession. It’s palpable in school after school and district after district. From Boston to Lisbon. Flat River to Bath. Spokane to Montreal. It’s fueled by a do-more and give-more mentality that has … Read more
Why not just let it go? What’s the harm? After all, it’s the last day of school. The textbooks are put away. Laptops are inventoried and stored until next year. Tests have been taken, projects turned in, grades entered. In a few short hours, … Read more
A few years ago, I wrote an article called 50 Things You Don’t Have To Do For Effective Classroom Management. It resonated with a lot of readers. The reason, I believe, is because there is so much misinformation out there. We’re bombarded with it … Read more
For a small minority of teachers, staying late after school is a symbol of their dedication. It makes them feel as if they’re doing everything they can for their students. It gives them a sense of pride. They like having their car the last … Read more
One of the benefits of the SCM approach is that you’ll really get to know your students. You’ll have the freedom to observe them without distractions and interruptions. You’ll have the time to listen to them and learn of their hopes and dreams. You’ll … Read more
I’ve failed a lot in my life. And I’m thankful for it every day. Because hidden within every failure is a blessing. Failure teaches us more than our successes. It reveals our mistakes and areas needing improvement. It uncovers our carelessness and unpreparedness. It … Read more
One of the secrets to exceptional classroom management is to aim for the stars. It’s to accept nothing less than what you want for your classroom, your students, and your career. It doesn’t matter where you teach. It doesn’t matter who is on your … Read more