Kids don’t misbehave because they don’t want discipline. They misbehave because they do. They crave it. They seek it out. They push and probe and increase their misbehavior in order to find your limits. Firm boundaries tell them that someone cares. It let’s them … Read more
There is a way to stand head and shoulders above any teacher at your school. Not that that’s the goal, mind you. But I assume it is your goal to get the most out of your students, to see dramatic improvement, to propel them … Read more
The daily pressure of the job causes many teachers to experience anxiety. The symptoms are elevated heart rate and tension throughout the body that lasts the entire day. The result is exhaustion. This constant state of stress can also have a profound effect on … Read more
Recently, I was asked whether I was good at classroom management my first year of teaching. I said yes but failed to explain a couple of important caveats. First, I had a remarkable role model. All four years of high school I took a … Read more
I had the opportunity this week to observe a truly gifted teacher. She was teaching a lesson to kindergarten students, many of whom she had never met. And they were mesmerized. They were engaged and eager to follow her every direction. But what made … Read more
Who you are and how you carry yourself has a powerful impact on student behavior. More than most teachers realize. It’s not just about using the right classroom management strategies. It’s about whether and to the degree your students respect you and look up … Read more
Mental acuity is an often-overlooked aspect of good teaching and absolutely essential for effective classroom management. Yet, despite it being so important, it’s never mentioned. Well, we’re going to mention it. In fact, what follows are nine things you can do to ensure that … Read more
Allow me to let you in on a secret: There is a shocking difference between classrooms run by teachers with excellent classroom management and everyone else. Of course there is a difference, you knew that. But the sheer scale is what is so surprising. … Read more