When I first started teaching, I did what everyone else was doing.
Clip charts, desk pets, blurt beans, student stores, taking away recess—if it was trending on Pinterest, I tried it.

But here's the truth:
None of it actually worked for me.

I felt like I was constantly putting out fires. I was managing behaviors all day long… and barely teaching. It felt like I was surviving, not thriving.

Then one day, I came across a teacher named Miss May on social media. She was managing her classroom in a way that felt calm, connected, and authentically her. It was so different from what I’d seen before—and it gave me permission to ask:

“What if my classroom management style doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s?”

That was the turning point.
And today, I’m going to help you find your classroom management style—so you can stop following trends and start leading with alignment.

Step 1: Ask Yourself These 3 Questions to Discover Your Teaching Style

When I realized I was just copying other teachers without checking in with myself, I got quiet and asked these 3 questions:

1. What kind of teacher am I going to be five years from now?

Close your eyes and picture her.
Is she warm and connected with her class? Structured and prepared? Calm and collected? Full of creativity and movement?

Ask yourself:

• Do you want to focus on fun and engagement or peace and predictability?
  
  
• Does managing behavior come naturally to her, or does she lean on systems?
  
  
• What does it feel like to be a student in her classroom?
  
  

2. What strategies have I tried that fit that version of me—and make me excited to teach?

Now, reflect back on what you’ve already tested.
Make a list of the classroom management strategies that made you feel excited, empowered, and in flow.

Maybe it's classroom jobs. Call-and-response signals. Class meetings. Transition timers.
If it energizes you and aligns with your vision—it belongs.

3. What strategies have I tried that feel icky or misaligned with the teacher I’m becoming?

On the flip side—what makes you feel drained?
Which strategies do you only use because you feel like you have to?

That could be:

• Taking away recess
  
  
• Using clip charts
  
  
• Constantly raising your voice
  
  
• Bribing with candy or tokens
  
  

These might work for someone else—but if they don't align with the teacher you're becoming, it's okay to release them.

Step 2: Discover Your Classroom Management Style

Once you reflect on those questions, it’s time to identify which classroom management style feels most like you. (Spoiler: You might be a mix!)

Here are the 5 most common styles:

The Routine Queen

Vibe: Structured, organized, and thrives on predictability
Strengths: Smooth transitions, clear expectations, students feel safe
Challenges: Flexibility when things shift unexpectedly
Ideal strategies: Daily routines, visual schedules, posted procedures, timers

“If you love color-coded bins, morning routines, and having a procedure for everything, this might be your style.”

The Relationship Builder

Vibe: Student-centered and deeply empathetic
Strengths: Strong student buy-in and emotional safety
Challenges: Setting boundaries and holding students accountable
Ideal strategies: Morning meetings, class circles, reflection check-ins

“You probably know all your students’ favorite snacks and family stories by week two.”

The Strategy Slayer

Vibe: System-minded and always thinking ahead
Strengths: Preventative systems, smart classroom setup
Challenges: Overthinking or constantly tweaking
Ideal strategies: Seating charts, job boards, visual cues, reward systems

“You’re always thinking three steps ahead and love optimizing how your classroom runs.”

The Calm Anchor

Vibe: Grounded and emotionally regulated
Strengths: De-escalates chaos and maintains a peaceful presence
Challenges: Setting clear boundaries if not careful
Ideal strategies: Whisper voice, call-and-response, mindfulness moments

“Your students calm down just by being around you—but don’t mistake your calm for weakness.”

The Creative Connector

Vibe: Fun, spontaneous, and highly engaging
Strengths: Keeps kids motivated and learning fun
Challenges: Consistency and follow-through on routines
Ideal strategies: Gamified procedures, classroom themes, role-play, music

“You’re turning routines into songs and using puppets to teach procedures—and your students eat it up.”

Step 3: Pick the Right Strategies For Your Style

This is the part that changes everything.

When you understand your natural style, you can:

• Lean into strategies that excite you
  
  
• Let go of the ones that feel like a burden
  
  
• Create a classroom that runs with ease and joy
  
  

For example, I’m a Strategy Slayer at heart—I love setting up systems that run my classroom for me.
But I also have a lot of Calm Anchor energy, so I use classroom calls and a whisper voice instead of raising my volume.

Once I stopped trying to be the Pinterest-perfect “strict but fun” teacher and just started being me, everything got easier.

Ready to Find Your Style?

Let’s recap the 3 steps to discover your classroom management style:

1. Visualize the teacher you want to be 5 years from now
   
   
2. Reflect on the strategies that energize you vs. drain you
   
   
3. Choose a style (or combo!) that feels like you:
   
   
• Routine Queen
  
  
• Relationship Builder
  
  
• Strategy Slayer
  
  
• Calm Anchor
  
  
• Creative Connector
  
  

Next Steps: Ready to Build a Classroom Management Plan That Actually Works?

Whether you’re just discovering your style or ready to level up, here’s where to go next:

• Just getting started? Grab the Classroom Management Guide to map it all out step-by-step
  
  
• Need plug-and-play support? Grab the Classroom Management Bundle and start strong
  
  
• 💬 Need mentorship + coaching? Join The Present Teacher Circle to build your classroom with a community
  
  

✨ No matter your style, you don’t have to do this alone. You were never meant to.