The other day I was talking to a first-year teacher who was questioning whether they were really cut out for teaching. They were exhausted, overwhelmed, and wondering if their students deserved someon...

How to Handle Halloween Energy Without Losing Your Mind

I still remember my very first Halloween as a teacher. I was so excited to bring one of my favorite holidays to life with my kindergartners. I ...

When I first got my own classroom, I swore I wasn’t going to be the “mean” teacher. Other teachers told me things like, “Don’t smile until December” or “Be strict right away.” But I didn’t want to ...

Every year I notice the same trend in teaching.

September rolls around, and for the most part, students are listening, routines are flowing, and you feel like you’re on top of everything. Then Octobe...

The #1 Transition Trick That Transformed My Classroom

When I first started teaching, I felt like I was constantly repeating myself.

Students were goofing off in line, talking during independent work...

When I first started teaching, I quickly realized that not all classroom management strategies work for everyone. Some teachers thrived with certain methods while others struggled. At first, I thought...

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...