Thoughtful Teacher: Classroom Management Solutions That Work

In my teaching career, I not only wanted to teach students, but wanted to teach, help, and support teachers in this challenging profession. I’m super excited to share my new role this fall as a transformational coach. After teaching in an elementary classroom for 15 years, I took a break after having my littlest to spend more time actually being a mom and to explore new avenues, opportunities, and possibilities in education. If you missed my post, The Diary of a Not So Wimpy Teacher, I tell all about it here. I’d say the universe delivered as I connected with Thoughtful Teacher, a classroom management model designed to support teachers by giving them the tools and strategies they need to be successful. Research shows that teachers are leaving the profession and are not entering the profession due to a variety of reasons, but one, in particular, is the demands in the classroom, including classroom management.

What is Thoughtful Teacher?

“Thoughtful Teacher is a classroom management model designed to transform the way teachers manage their students. Research shows that teachers are leaving the profession faster than ever. In addition to increasing demands on teachers, they often identify student behavior (or misbehavior) as a primary reason for leaving the profession. Thoughtful Teacher is designed to provide teachers with the necessary strategies to master classroom management and establish an effective classroom environment to deliver their instructional program. Based on teachers who completed Thoughtful Teacher Training, 87% reported dramatic improvement in their ability to manage their classroom environments” (www.thoughtfulteacher.org).

As a Responsive Classroom teacher, classroom management has always been my strong suit. Teaching the whole child, socially, emotionally and academically is the main focus. My classroom was structured, with clear expectations and consequences while building and nurturing teacher-student relationships. My classroom ran like a well-oiled machine where teaching and learning were at its maximum levels.  But this is not the case for all teachers. I’ve seen many teachers struggle with classroom management and burn out rather quickly. Unfortunately, in college you don’t learn all the tips and tricks you need to manage a classroom. It doesn’t come from any textbook. Teachers do not always get the professional development they need in order to be successful in managing a large group of students, along with the many other responsibilities that come with teaching.  This is where Thoughtful Teacher comes in. Thoughtful Teacher sends trained coaches into classrooms to observe and provide feedback to teachers in a non-intimidating way. The model focuses on teachers’ behaviors, not the students. The coach and teacher work on 10 essential strategies that will improve the overall teacher’s classroom management, from creating a winning seating plan, building and nurturing student-teacher relationships to systematizing necessary daily tasks. The 10 steps to effective classroom management may not be rocket science but when taught and practiced makes a huge difference in the overall classroom management and climate of the learning environment. And best of all, the teachers improve–a win-win!

Here are the results as reported from Thoughtful Teacher:

• 87% of Teachers who complete Thoughtful Teacher training report dramatic improvement in their classroom management.

• 93% of Teachers report that they would be better teachers if they received this training during their first year of teaching.

• 92% of Teachers report that Thoughtful Teacher has resulted in them becoming more reflective practitioners.

• 95% of principles report that Thoughtful Teacher improved the performance of their poorest performing teachers.

Impressive results, huh?! If you think that this is for you because you need or want support in classroom management then reach out to your admin about the benefits of Thoughtful Teacher. Don’t be afraid to ask for support or to educate them! Many teachers, schools, and students benefit from a model such as this one that transforms the way teachers manage their classrooms. For more information visit www.thoughtfulteacher.org. If you have any questions, you can contact info@thoughtfulteacher.org.

Related Posts:

Why Teachers Are Leaving The Profession Faster Than Ever

Need support? Visit the Forums to ask questions, share ideas and products. Be sure to visit the Shop for classroom management resources. I have a bundle (single scripts too) of interactive modeling scripts for teaching and modeling daily routines and procedures.  It’s a must-have when starting off the school year. Don’t forget to join the email list to receive the latest and greatest updates, plus receive monthly freebies!!

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