Hey New Teacher! Classroom Management

Hey, New Teacher!

Classroom management is tough. Especially early on. They’re comfortable enough with you, so they’re showing you their truest colors. There are probably some behaviors that you’ve let go on too long that you need to address. Maybe a structure you wanted to work soooo much just isn’t cutting it.

It’s never too late to start asking for what you want. Classroom management is self-care.

Don’t underestimate the power of “Nope, try again.” You don’t have to infuse it with any emotion; just let the kids know their attempt wasn’t at your standards, and they get another chance. Enough times of it, and they’ll get the message.

Try something new. It’s totally okay to scrap the rewards board, teach them a new quiet signal, or implement a new consequence structure. You’re searching for the systems that fit your classroom the best. Honestly, you should be trying a bajillion new things—it’s your first year, might as well, right? This is the time to launch and fail, regroup, and relaunch. It’s expected! Your classroom is running based on the systems you’re implementing, so if you don’t like them, change them!

Trying new things is hard, and right now, everything you’re trying is new. You’re doing a great job thinking in the moment and discerning when it’s time to let go and try again tomorrow. Don’t worry—you’ll get better at this. So what if the lesson plan exploded, or if your project is taking waaay longer than expected? You’re literally building the bridge while you’re crossing it. Showing up every day and trying your best is the best thing you can do for everyone in the room, including you. You’ll get the rhythm down, you’ll figure out the beats to hit and the spiel to present new concepts in time. For now, find learnable moments in the failures and give yourself space to breathe.

Don’t be afraid to ask your admin or support staff or other teachers to come in and observe what’s going on. They’re going to have great suggestions, and they WANT to help you. Don’t think that it’s a weakness if you’re struggling with a specific hour; think of it as a strength that you’re asking to improve and grow in a specific skill. YOU were hired for a reason, and everyone wants you to succeed!

Keep your expectations high and your chin higher! And remember, we’re all rooting for you!