How To Be A Classroom Management Pro

Smart Classroom Management: How To Be A Classroom Management ProA few years ago, I wrote an article called 50 Things You Don’t Have To Do For Effective Classroom Management.

It resonated with a lot of readers.

The reason, I believe, is because there is so much misinformation out there.

We’re bombarded with it every day and from dozens of different sources.

Making it increasingly harder to know what truly works.

There are also many commonly recommended strategies that can improve behavior in the immediate term, but make things worse over time.

Furthermore, many teachers are using methods from opposing philosophies that have no business in the same classroom together.

The result is more misbehavior, not less.

I began Smart Classroom Management in 2009 in large part to combat these misconceptions.

All of our strategies—from how to build relationships to how to hold students accountable—are philosophically aligned. They’re meant to be used together and get stronger over time.

They’re also best for students and their social and academic development.

Our primary goal here at SCM, however, is for you to experience teaching as it can and should be. That is, fulfilling, joyful, and low in stress.

Through our articles, as well as our books and guides, we endeavor to train teachers week after week in the SCM way.

These resources have been life-changing for many thousands of teachers.

But late last year I decided that I needed to offer something that would show teachers exactly how to get from point A to point B.

In other words, what steps must you take to become skilled at managing students?

How can you develop an ability you can rely on predictably and year after year no matter who shows up on your roster?

How do you take the worst behaved class in your school and make it the best behaved?

Over the past several months I’ve worked diligently to put together an online course that would answer these questions.

When I first started mapping out the course early last fall, I struggled to narrow down all the strategies we recommend at SCM—which now number in the hundreds—into a doable format.

But as December turned into January, and I kept working at it, I began recognizing certain patterns. Also, divinely, at the beginning of the fall term I had been given one of the most challenging classes I’ve ever had.

So I looked closely at my own current practice and what I was doing minute to minute and day after day.

Eventually, I realized that all SCM strategies, although individually effective, fall under the umbrella of a relatively small number of key strategies—or core strategies—that empower the teacher-user with a naturally effective skill set.

It is this same group of core strategies that I relied on to transform my difficult class into the respectful one that I looked forward to being with every day.

This was the breakthrough I needed to turn these insights into what has become The Total Classroom Management Makeover, which is now open for enrollment.

The course is a simple set of dos and don’ts that at first glance don’t appear terribly earth-shattering.

They aren’t fancy, colorful, or complex and they don’t involve any clever psychological manipulation or trickery.

But if you follow them without compromise, they will turn you into a classroom management pro who can mold any group of students into a happy, well-behaved class that you love teaching.

I stake my reputation on it.

To enroll in the course, or just to learn more, click here.

PSThe Total Classroom Management Makeover is only available for a short window of time. Enrollment ends June 6th.

If you haven’t done so already, please join us. It’s free! Click here and begin receiving classroom management articles like this one in your email box every week.

29 thoughts on “How To Be A Classroom Management Pro”

  1. Does your online course consist of articles/lecture format? I have been reading your newsletters faithfully this year and have gradually been implementing some of the techniques. I find myself agreeing with so much of your philosophies. I purchased several copies of the 11 Habits to share with colleagues.. What I’d really like is a video of some of these techniques actually being used with real kids in a real classroom…I’m that visual learner that wants to see what it looks and sounds like. Before I spend $99, I want a few more details. I am a veteran teacher of 32 years and still anxious to improve, learn and make this ever increasingly difficult job a bit easier. Thanks for your time.

    Reply
  2. Do you have any articles that address art/music/phys ed teachers? We teach 33-35 classes per week for 35 min in an inner city district whose policy of social justice is making our jobs really tough! If you could direct me to some info I’d be appreciative!

    Reply
  3. I am interested in your signing up for your 18 lesson course, but I have a few questions. After we take the course, do we have unlimited access to the videos in order to re-watch them? How long does the course generally take? Is there an ending date to the course?

    Reply
    • Hi Sara,

      Yes, you have unlimited access. The course takes a couple hours including taking notes (the videos total one hour). There is no ending date. When you get a chance, please check out the FAQ section of the course page.

      Michael

      Reply
  4. Hi Michael,
    Last summer I read 3 of your books. I was so pumped up and ready for a great year! It has been the most challenging year of my teaching career. I am so ready to hit the restart button! Long story short, we are finishing the year with our 3rd principal (first one was told not to come back, then an interim until Christmas and finally a 2nd interim for the last semester.) There have no expectations for the teachers, which in turn has caused no expectations for the students. It is literally cray, cray on my campus. We have hired an awesome new principal and counselor for next year. I know next year is the turning point. I can’t wait! I just need to get myself pumped up again and need the stamina to keep my “promise” to my students going all year long. I’m sorry to say, I myself began giving up this year.

    One area I would like to delve into this summer is dealing with the defiant student. As an elementary music teacher, I will have most of my students returning…including those defiant ones I had trouble with this year.

    About the course, I am wondering how many hours of training we will earn on the certificate at the end of the course.

    Thank you so much for sharing your philosophy and beliefs that you have found to work in your classroom! You are very motivating!

    Reply
    • Hi Susan,

      I’m so sorry you’re having a tough year, but it sounds like things are looking up. I love your enthusiasm. Earnestly working your way through the course while taking notes should take about two hours, but it could certainly take more, especially if you want to go back and rewatch the videos. So it depends on you. There isn’t a designated amount of hours offered for professional development.

      Michael

      Reply
  5. I would like to take your online course but I need to verify that the professional development hours would be acceptable in the State of Illinois for renewing my license. Are you an approved provider for the State of Illinois?

    Reply
  6. Hi Michael!

    Just a note to tell you just how much I enjoy your weekly emails. Rick Morris – my personal classroom management guru – recommended your website, book, and weekly emails. I love having that weekly bit of wisdom, advice, and affirmation – it always give me pause to reflect on how it applies to me and my own class. Thank you, Michael!! I always recommend every one of my student teachers to subscribe to your emails.

    Have a terrific summer, and thank you again for the essential and important work you do for our profession.

    Reply
    • It’s my great pleasure, Jan! Thanks so much for your kind words. You made my day. I wish you a wonderful summer as well. Rick is indeed a classroom management pro. He’s also a good friend of mine and an amazing speaker.

      Michael

      Reply
  7. Hello Michael,
    I’ve been reading your articles for more than a year and it’s been really helpful. I’d like to take the online course but have a little challenge with the fee. Can I get your email address so we chat personally? Can I get a special offer? Thanks

    Reply
  8. How do I find out if my state accepts your course for professional development points? State of Florida.

    Reply
  9. Hi Michael,
    Anyway that I can still enroll? I just missed the enrollment and really need help in this area.
    Thanks,
    Linda Mann

    Reply
  10. Hi Michael,
    I just finished the course. Great information! I’m going to be teaching 7th grade, coming from lower elementary, and I’d like to use your HS management plan with points. My question is do you have any suggestions for using points, but not tying it to academic grades? In my district we are not suppose to tie work habits into academic grades.

    Reply
    • Hi Stephanie,

      If there is a citizenship or behavior grade, you can attach it to that. Otherwise, it’s best to rely on the conventional plan as described in the guide.

      Michael

      Reply

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