When I think about what I learned in college while getting my teaching credential I think maybe I took only 1 or 2 classes classroom management.  I thought I was ready for the classroom and my students.  

I WAS SO WRONG

I remember the day that I finally came to grips that teaching...

In real estate the term that makes or breaks a house is "Location, location, location".

In the classroom the phrase that can make or break a class is, "Routines, routines, routines".

I heard a quote that I have adopted as one of my foundational beliefs and it is this, "We don't rise to the level...

One of the worst things as a teacher is standing in front of a classroom, trying to teach a lesson, and nobody is paying attention. 

Sally is in the back doing her make-up. 

Johnny is trying to take a peak at his phone. 

Cindy and Jennifer are talking about the cute new guy. ...

I had a recent conversation with one of my mentees and he mentioned that during his last observation the principal marked him down for not noticing different student behaviors. 

Some of the students were on their phones,

Others had their ear buds in and were listening to music. 

And...

When I first started teaching 20 years ago to say I struggled is an understatement.  

You may not believe this but there were many nights I went home crying because I felt I could do nothing right.  

I was a 30 year old man and those kids were making me cry.  I never...

If I could only choose 5 strategies for classroom management what would they be?

That is a hard question because when you are teaching a classroom there are a gazillion (is that a real number) things happening at once and often it feel like all we can do is put out fires.  

But if you...

I honestly believe that change, real change can happen if the right systems are put into place.  It will not be easy and consistency is the key but if everybody works together progress will happen.  

Think about your school.  What are some issues happening right now?

Are...

If you are a new teacher organizing your classroom may be one of the last things you might be thinking about.  Usually at the top of the list are creating that perfect lesson or how to handle that difficult student.  But if you are in this for the long game, the sooner you create a...

How do you create a welcoming classroom environment?  If you are expecting me to say it starts with compassion, understanding, and acceptance you will be disappointed.  No don't get me wrong, those things are important but my in my opinion before you can have you have an inclusive...

Isn't that why we became teachers.  To connect to our students and to leave a positive impact on the next generation.  What goal could be more worthwhile than that.  But the question then becomes, how do you connect to your students?

In my 20 years of teaching I thought about this...

Talk about an ambitious goal.  Trying to change the culture of a school may seem overwhelming and often it is hard to figure out where to start.   

As the saying goes, "How do you eat an elephant?  One bite at a time".   

That is how you change the culture of a...

How are you doing this school year?  When I talk to my colleagues and other teachers around the United States the feeling I get more often than not is that things are not going well.   I use to think it was just my school or my district but know I am under the impression is that...