The Present Teacher Blog

When I first started teaching, I never actually got to teach.

Instead, I was constantly managing sideline conversations, redirecting students who were out of their seats, and trying to get everyone o...

The other day, I had a really interesting conversation on one of my social media posts.

Someone commented:
"All good teachers yell or raise their voice at their students—it’s just what you have to do....

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...

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 t...

The first day of school is right around the corner.

Your classroom is set up. The name tags are in place. The supply bins are color-coded, and everything looks picture perfect.

But there’s a questio...

Will Your First Day of School Be Smooth — or Stressful?

You’ve been dreaming of the moment you finally get the keys to your very own classroom.

You’ve imagined it over and over: Students walk in qui...

How to Design a Distraction-Free Classroom That Actually Works

You’ve taught before—or maybe you’re entering your second or third year—and you’ve realized something big:

While creating a cute, theme...

Are you a first-year teacher wondering how to actually prepare over the summer? You're not alone.

When I was getting ready for my first school year, I spent hours on Pinterest researching classroom t...

When I was a first-year teacher, I was terrified of Back to School Night.

I spent hours wondering:

• What will families think of me?

• What if I forget something important?

• Will I make a g

  ...

I’ll never forget my first day of school as a new teacher.

I had the cutest classroom. My bulletin boards were Pinterest-worthy. I had a stack of activities prepped and printed. I thought I was ready...

When I first started teaching, I spent two months prepping for back to school.

I skipped out on summer fun, stressed over every bulletin board, and focused on all the wrong things. And the worst part...

Are you a new or first-year teacher who just found out you have a Meet the Teacher Night coming up—and your heart is already racing?

You’re probably wondering:

• What am I supposed to say?

• Ho

  ...