Have you ever had 10 minutes left in class and thought, “What now?” If you tell students to just relax, chaos can break out fast! That’s why having a clear routine for ending class is so important.

📌 Bell to Bell
Students should be engaged from the first bell to the last. Don’t let up at the end—...

If you want strong classroom management, it begins with how you start class. The first few minutes set the tone for the entire period.

👋 Be Present at the Door
I greet students as they walk in. This lets me see what’s happening both inside and outside the classroom. If a student comes in full of ...

👩‍🏫 If you are just starting your teaching journey, you might feel overwhelmed. There’s so much to think about—lesson plans, IEPs, referrals, testing, and even something as simple as “Where’s the copy machine?” It’s a lot!

💡 The most important thing to remember is this: You are not alone. Every t...

The second day of class is when I share my teaching philosophy with students. Yes, we’ll cover U.S. history from the 1600s to the 1800s — but I want my students to gain more than just facts.

🛑 It’s Not About Memorizing Dates

• Students can find historical dates in seconds on their phones.

...

The first day of school is your chance to set the tone. Here are some strategies to make students feel welcome while keeping the room organized.

👋 Greet and Direct

• Meet students at the door.

• Give clear instructions for where to put backpacks and where to sit.

🪑 Learn Names Quickly

The first days back can be overwhelming—but with a little planning, you can set your classroom up for a smooth year. Here’s what I’ve learned after years of trial and error.

🪑 1. Start With Desk Arrangement

Think about how you want students to learn before you place a single desk. Rows? Pairs? G...

This year, I tried something new in my classroom…
I used AI (Artificial Intelligence) to help me plan a history lesson! 🎉

More specifically, I used ChatGPT to teach my students about the Erie Canal — and it worked better than I expected.

📝 Step 1: Create the Article

I asked ChatGPT to write a s...

As a middle school teacher, I know how hard it can be to keep students focused. That’s why I use my Plug-and-Play System to make lesson planning easier and more fun—for me and for them!

Here are 3 fun things I include that my students really enjoy:

🗺️ 1. Map Skills

At the start of the year, we ...

Feeling like your class is out of control?
Try these 3 simple tips — they really work!

🪑 1. Use a Seating Chart

Don’t just let students pick seats.
A smart seating chart helps stop problems before they start!
👀 Know who distracts who?
📝 Put chatty kids apart.
🛠️ Put frequent movers near supplie...

👋 Teaching is full of students — but sometimes, it still feels lonely.
You’re with kids all day, but how often do you talk to another adult?
Sometimes just a quick chat at lunch or a staff meeting on Friday.

😔 It can also feel frustrating. You pour your heart into your classroom —
but students do...

👴 When I first started teaching, I used to roll my eyes at veteran teachers who said,

“This training? Same thing we heard 10 years ago.”
Now I am that veteran teacher… and guess what?
They were right. A lot of things just come back repackaged.

But here’s what doesn’t change:
Some classroom s...

How Teachers Can Regain Control Without Losing Hope

👀 Would you believe me if I said students can curse at teachers or bring BB guns to school — and sometimes only get a short suspension? That’s the reality many of us face.

But here’s the question I keep asking myself:
“What can I do about it?”