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
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
There are techniques that can help you maintain a calm disposition throughout each teaching day. Even if chaos is swirling around you. We’ve covered several in the past, both in our books and here on the website. But today I want to share with … Read more
There is a teacher trait that has the power to . . . lower your stress. make you more consistent. increase your enjoyment of teaching. improve your relationships. gain critical insight into your students. It’s something never mentioned in educational circles but is present … Read more
I do a lot of personal coaching with teachers this time of year. And there is one thing I’ve been doing lately that my clients have found especially helpful. So I thought I’d share it with you. It’s a self-inventory (of sorts) based on … Read more
Four of every ten new teachers leave the profession within five years. That is a staggering number. It’s made all the more alarming given that teacher shortages in the US are expected to exceed 300,000 by 2020. Although low starting pay, large class sizes, … Read more
As the holiday season ramps up, students become antsier. They can feel the midyear break just around the corner. And their excitement builds day by day. The weather, the music, the traditions. The decorations, the lights, the commercials. Despite how much your school may … Read more
For the past dozen years or so, I’ve had the opportunity to see many teachers in action. And there is one particularly bad habit that is common among those who struggle with classroom management. It’s usually not their only bad habit, mind you. But … Read more