Going a day without modeling is like gardening without a trowel. Because modeling engages students. It draws them in and holds their attention. It removes any doubt about what you want them to do. It also provides purpose that motivates and dissuades misbehavior. But … Read more
To be an effective teacher it’s critical to continually push your students to get better every day. There is no stasis. You’re either improving or you’re getting worse. It’s a phenomenon that holds true in most areas of life. That’s not to say that … Read more
If you get annoyed when your students misbehave, then it’s going to lead to more misbehavior. Even if you don’t say a word. Your sighs, facial expressions, and body language reveal all there is to know about what’s roiling inside. Students prey upon emotionally … Read more
Pulling a student aside for a chat about their misbehavior is a common practice. Intuitively, it would appear to make sense. —Which is why nearly every teacher does it. But the truth is, it’s a mistake that causes more misbehavior, not less. Here’s why: … Read more
Although outside my focus on classroom management, I’ve been asked again and again how I would improve reading scores. So here it goes. For context, reading scores are the lowest they’ve been in decades. Just 33 percent of fourth graders and 31 percent of … 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
Some teachers seem to revel in drama and making life harder for their colleagues. They love victimhood and high status. They believe that they’re the greatest educator since Anne Sullivan, yet have no idea the destruction they cause to school climate and culture. To … Read more
Teachers giving grades students haven’t earned is rampant, staggering in its increasing frequency. Why is this happening? A few reasons. First, the pandemic and accompanying learning loss has added pressure on teachers to get students caught up. This has caused the standards for earning … Read more