On the first day of school for my student teaching Coach went over his expectations with his class, then what he expects from the students to do in terms of work. Lastly, he discussed what would be considered his classroom management style. He made a simple statement that at the time I thought was a little weird, but through my experiences this past year nothing seems like a better way to manage a class than those three simple, strong, and direct words. He told the students “Don't bug me!”. Those three simple words cover every aspect of classroom management from the noise level, to touching his stuff, to turning in assignments, to respecting each other and him, to not eating in his class. He touched on each of these things lightly, but came back to if you think it will annoy me do not do it. It established him as both an authority figure and someone to respect.
In my classroom I intend on implementing coaches one simple rule. Not only because it sets me in the right light for the students but also because it is all encompassing. It can be manipulated to fit pretty much any situation. By establishing a management plan in the beginning I am trying to be proactive and create routines and procedures that will be followed all year. As a teacher it is my responsibility to make sure my classroom is a safe and productive learning environment for all students within its doors.