Beginning Teacher PLC

Kami,

          Sorry I am late in replying. I'm struggling with classroom management and engagement. I have a ton of support at my school, but the people supporting me have lots of other teachers and students to support, so I need to find ways to help myself when they are otherwise engaged.

Hi, Brandilin (and others)-

First off, know that classroom management is one of the hardest things to get a handle on when you are a newer teacher - and even when you have years of experience.  We have recently collected data that suggests that of all the components of teaching, teachers (regardless of how long they've been teaching) struggle most with classroom management.  And this seems to be harder since the pandemic as students may sometimes struggle to see relevance in what they're being asked to do in school.  I like this article (https://www.teachingchannel.com/blog/well-managed-classroom) that talks about the Three C's:  Connection, Consistency, and Compassion.  I also wholeheartedly suggest that you take time to establish and teach students acceptable behaviors through protocols and procedures.  We often assume students know how to behave or act in certain situations and they don't. They have to be explicitly taught things as simple as how to pass in papers, or how to line up for recess.  

I can't possibly provide the magic bullet in this simple response, but don't hesitate to reach out to those at your school.  I know they're busy too, but even taking a moment to observe how they handle things in their own classroom could provide you with insight.  See if they'd be willing to let you sit in on a class of theirs during a moment when you have free time, or ask for tips from folks for how they handle specific student behaviors you are challenged by.  

Hang in there!  Classroom management gets better with time, but success with it will always feel a little bit like an elusive Holy Grail!  You got this!