Classroom Management

Maintaining good order and desirable working conditions in the classroom is a guest teacher's first major responsibility. A positive approach is recommended. A pleasant attitude, a warm feeling for kids, respect for others, courtesy and a sense of humor will help foster a good room atmosphere. No one finds it easy all the time. Some days are going to be better than others. There are some general do's and don'ts...

Start each day with the thought, "I am a professional. I make a difference. Today, I will give the students I work with a positive experience they never would have had if I were not here."
Be early and prepared. Have all teaching materials organized and ready and the seating chart out. Greet the students as they enter the classroom. Dress appropriately - the way you dress determines what people think and feel about you in any setting. The classroom is no different. Dressing professionally (even if it is a bit "more" than what the REGULAR teachers do) tells kids you are serious about your work. They may not say anything, but they notice. You are their example.
Introduce yourself and let the students know you may be doing some things differently-- but that your goal is to make their day as beneficial as possible. Take control of the class with a positive attitude. Let them know what is expected of them.
Give students your undivided attention. Directly acknowledge each student who has a question or needs your help. Always be aware of everything going on in YOUR room.
Follow the teacher's plans as much as possible. Make sure your instructions are clear and worded for the level of understanding for that particular set of students. Make sure that they are facing you when instructions are given. The fewer changes, the fewer disruptions for the kids to deal with. Also, be prepared with your own EMERGENCY material to be used only if you a.) have extra time, b.) you have finished all assignments left by the teacher, c.) no lessons were provided, d.) you want to reward particularly good behavior with a treat of something new. The District's Media Center has plenty of resources, as do the local libraries. And, when you can, observe other, more experienced teachers. You can always learn... keep improving your skills.
Be fair, but reward and recognize good behavior.
Always encourage the students. Never discourage them.
Ask others for advice.
After an "adequate" attempt on your part to correct student behavior, send problem pupils to the office.
Keep the class busy and challenged. Stay on the topic as much as possible. It will eliminate many problems.
Pay attention to your voice, how you use it and what you say. Get feed back from an observer once in awhile. We often operate on automatic pilot... unaware of the effect we are having on others.
Always ask yourself, "What went well? What would I change? What did I learn from today's assignment? What can I do differently to achieve a different outcome?"

Do not show anger if everything does not go as planned. Anger shows a loss of control and you will lose the attention of the students.
Do not touch students. (Even "positive" touching can be misconstrued and present cause for accusations.)
Do not use any language or words of profanity or a sexual nature in interactions with student, parents, or other staff members.
Do not leave students unsupervised or allow the class to move from one area of the campus to another without supervision (e.g., walking to the library, lunch, assemblies, etc).
Do not vary from the lesson plan provided.
Do not verbally or by action demean any student.
Do not call a student any other name except his/her own.
Do not administer any form of corporal punishment.
Do not place a student of recess or lunch.
Do not send a note home without the principal's approval.
Do not keep the students after school without the principal's approval.
Do not create a power struggle... you can only win temporarily.
Do not give up. Keep asking, learning, reading, watching, trying, etc.
Do not use "put downs" or disrespectful language toward student or site staff.

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