It’s not just you. Really, it isn’t. Many principals don’t praise anyone. That doesn’t mean that it doesn’t hurt when you’re ignored or your good work goes unnoticed. Whether you’re a veteran or brand-new teacher, everyone appreciates well-earned recognition. Everyone appreciates positive feedback. After … 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
Stress is a killer. And not just physically. It can also ruin your teaching career. It can destroy your peace and happiness. It can affect your relationship with students. It can severely limit your ability to manage your classroom. The good news is that … Read more
It’s official. A culture of pressure and stress has infected the teaching profession. It’s palpable in school after school and district after district. From Boston to Lisbon. Flat River to Bath. Spokane to Montreal. It’s fueled by a do-more and give-more mentality that has … Read more
Rock stars don’t reach the top of the music world without one key ingredient: Purposeful thinking. Sure, they need otherworldly musical skill, vocal technique, and years perfecting their craft. But their mind is what drives them there. That same mindset, percolating deep behind the … Read more
Classroom management is easy. Let me rephrase that. Classroom management should feel easy. If it feels difficult to you, if it feels like you’re straining and working to get students to behave and pay attention, then you’re doing something wrong. Effective classroom management is … Read more
If you’re a regular reader of this website, then you know creating leverage is critical to classroom management success. One of the most powerful ways of creating leverage is to become admired—a hero to your students. I know. It’s not your job to be … Read more
Clip charts, prize boxes, incentive systems, seating arrangements, stickers, pep-talks, noise makers, red cards, table points, trinkets, tokens, awards, erasers, free time, computer time, first in line, contracts, privileges, and… enough!!! It can make you want to scream. For many, classroom management has become … Read more