If you’re teaching online, then you know that classroom management is now a lot easier. Distance learning may not be good for academic progress, or mental and physical health, but it’s virtually eliminated misbehavior. It’s kept students from disrupting, interrupting, or ruining your lessons. … Read more
A teacher acquaintance was recently attacked and injured by an enraged six-year-old. She was kicked in the face while trying to calm him down. According to the NEA, six percent of teachers have been attacked by a student. That’s over 200,000 teachers. But you’re … Read more
Wow, we made it! When the pandemic first hit and schools were closing, I wasn’t sure if I’d have enough to write about in 2020. As it turns out, I probably could have posted twice a week. We had some of our most popular … Read more
I read an article recently in which a teacher said he would no longer give failing grades during the pandemic. I get where he’s coming from, I really do. It’s a tough time for many students. But removing the bare minimum standard is a … Read more
Admit it. You can’t stand correcting daily work. It’s tedious. It’s boring. It’s stressful and adds hours to your work week. It’s also a colossal waste of time. Here’s why: Students don’t look at it. One of the worst kept secrets in teaching is … Read more
Because of Covid-19 and the staggering amount of preparation time required to start the new school year—whether online or in person—teachers are under enormous stress. There is so much to do, and not enough hours in the day to do it. There is, however, … Read more
Studies show that Black students are disciplined more severely than their White classmates for the same misbehavior. And the most common classroom management methods used today—with their subjective interpretations of misbehavior, token economies, and manipulative practices—are at least partly to blame. They’re rife with … Read more
I don’t read professional teaching books. I haven’t for many years. The reason is to keep my writing as authentic and untainted as possible. It must be based on what I see, what I experience, and what I have success using myself. Otherwise, I … Read more