When I first started teaching, I thought I had everything I needed for classroom management.

I had my clip charts.
I had my think sheets.
I even laminated my procedures and taped them on the wall.

But here’s the truth: I had no idea what I was doing.

I was constantly putting out fires, redirecting students, and barely had time to teach. I spent more time managing behaviors than actually delivering the lessons I had planned with so much care.

Looking back, I realize what I really needed wasn’t more charts or consequences.
What I needed was a clear, confident system for teaching, modeling, and supporting the behavior I wanted to see.

And while it didn’t happen overnight, I did eventually find a system that worked—and it completely transformed my classroom.

So today, I want to help you figure out how prepared you actually are to manage your classroom this back-to-school season.

This quick 10-question quiz will help you reflect on your current prep and give you a personalized next step—whether that’s a simple tune-up or a complete fresh start.

How to Take the Quiz

Simple: Count how many of the following statements you can honestly say “yes” to. Your result will be at the bottom along with the next step that’s right for you.

The 10-Question Back-to-School Classroom Management Quiz

1. Do you have your top 5 classroom procedures already planned or outlined?
   
   
2. Do you have a system for teaching and practicing expectations during the first week?
   
   
3. Do you feel confident responding to common student behaviors (talking out, not listening, etc.) without overreacting?
   
   
4. Do you have a clear plan for how students will enter the classroom each day?
   
   
5. Do you know how you’ll redirect a student who repeatedly tests boundaries?
   
   
6. Do your classroom jobs, seating chart, or routines support student independence?
   
   
7. Do you have a strategy for handling transitions smoothly and minimizing downtime?
   
   
8. Do you have visual reminders or cues that support student behavior?
   
   
9. Do you feel confident holding students accountable consistently without guilt or stress?
   
   
10. Do you have a go-to plan for when procedures stop working mid-year?
    
    

Your Results

If you answered 8–10 “yes”
You’re almost there! You have a solid foundation—you may just need to polish up a few details.
Next Step: Grab the Classroom Management Guide to fine-tune your systems before students walk through the door.

If you answered 4–7 “yes”
You’re on your way, but there are a few gaps that could cause unnecessary stress later on.
Next Step: Download the Classroom Management Bundle for ready-to-use tools and templates that’ll save you hours of trial and error.

If you answered 0–3 “yes”
It’s time for a full reset—and that’s okay. Classroom management isn’t something you’re supposed to figure out alone.
Next Step: Join The Present Teacher Circle to get coaching, mentorship, and support systems that grow with you all year long.

Final Thoughts

Back-to-school classroom management isn’t just about surviving the first week—it’s about setting up systems that will carry you through the whole year with confidence, clarity, and calm.

Wherever you’re at on your classroom management journey, I want you to know this:
You can have a classroom that runs smoothly, where your students respect boundaries, and you feel like the confident teacher you’ve always wanted to be.

Let’s make that happen—together.