Toni Marek

Have effective, one-on-one conversations that empower your students to make better choices with their behavior, while building (not damaging) relationships. Remember, when people feel right, they behave right.

Prior to implementing any consequences to address student misbehavior, always ask yourself these two important questions: 1) Are students aware of what they should be doing, and how? 2) If so, is non-compliance due to a lack of skill or lack of will?

Most teachers instinctively go straight for the individual, audible correction. But less-invasive strategies are just as effective in changing student behavior. In addition, they’re less disruptive to the lesson, don’t reward negative behavior with attention, and don’t publicly shame.

Do you sometimes feel that your students don’t respect you? That they zone out during lessons? Or they talk back when you address their behavior? Your body language might be the culprit.

One of the single most important actions you can take as a teacher at the start of the school year is to plan and execute efficient routines and procedures. Here are the steps to make sure your first four weeks of teaching go smoothly.