Many teachers have an out-of-control class and don’t realize it. Maybe it’s because they’ve gotten so used to chaos and disrespect that they think it’s normal. Maybe they’ve never actually observed a polite, well-behaved class before. Maybe no one has told them the hard … Read more
There is one thing nearly every teacher does that skyrockets stress. You’re probably doing it too. Because it comes naturally. It makes sense. It feels right. Plus, you see every other teacher doing it. So what is it? It’s trying to convince students to … Read more
In ways subtle but clear, scores of teachers are communicating to their students every day that they can’t do it. They don’t measure up. They’re not good enough, smart enough, or capable enough. Most troubling, these teachers have no idea they’re doing this. In … Read more
The essential ingredient of a well-behaved class is your belief that it’s possible. Because as soon as you accept the myriad reasons why it can’t be done, which bombard teachers like West Texas hail, you’ve sealed your fate. You’ll never have the classroom you … Read more
In the past five years, a new classroom management strategy has taken hold. The goal of this strategy is to calm and soothe the fragile psyches of the most difficult students. The way it works is that whenever they begin to feel overwhelmed, angry, … Read more
There is an attitude gifted teachers carry with them every day of the school year. It’s extremely rare. But it gives them a remarkable level of authority, presence, and leadership that students strongly respond to. This attitude is comprised of two deeply held viewpoints. … Read more
When I first entered the classroom as a first-year teacher, I didn’t know what I was doing. Then, as now, teacher ed programs did a terrible job preparing new teachers. However, either by chance or by providence, I had an advantage. And this made … Read more
Here at SCM, we hear from them a lot. Sometimes in the comment section. Often via email or social media channels. The naysayers. The doubters. The excuse-makers. Pointing the finger at everyone and every thing but themselves. You could show them classroom after classroom … Read more