There is a classroom management strategy that hums along in the background of the most effective teachers. You can’t see this strategy. It isn’t applied once and reused when needed. It isn’t a step-by-step, how-to process. I don’t believe it’s ever been revealed in … Read more
One reason many teachers struggle with misbehavior, disrespect, and the like is because they’re not strong leaders. In other words, they lack . . . Presence Confidence Boldness Courage They tend to have an external locus of control and difficulty grasping that they alone … Read more
There is a choice you can make today that will insulate you from all school-related drama and politics. It will also transform how your colleagues view you. I must emphasize that it is a liberating choice, a glorious choice, a choice that will improve … Read more
Here at SCM, we’ve talked a lot about the importance of maintaining a calm disposition. It is, without a doubt, the most effective way to keep misbehavior-causing excitability out of your classroom. But it’s also caused some confusion among SCM readers. You see, staying … Read more
The tougher the class, the easier it is to be inconsistent. The easier it is to give in and lose control. Which is why when you have a challenging group of students you must be mentally tough. You must be, as Winston Churchill once … Read more
Authority plays an important role in effective classroom management. Because it affects how students view you. It affects how well they listen to you and follow your directions. It affects their behavior around you, their trust in you, and their respect for you. Some … Read more
Cultivating a calm disposition will make you a better teacher. It will also improve classroom management. Because students respect it. They’re drawn to it and admire it. Perhaps more than any other trait. It gives you a natural leadership presence and an effortless ability … 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