High School Classroom Management #PD #Educate #TWValor

Welcome back to the Teaching with Valor Podcast. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today, we’re diving into a topic that’s always top of mind for high school teachers—classroom management. We know that managing a high school classroom is no easy task. 

With students juggling academics, social dynamics, extracurricular activities, and their growing independence, it can feel like you’re constantly walking a tightrope between being authoritative and approachable. But here’s the thing: effective classroom management isn’t about control or strict discipline.
 
It’s about creating an environment where all students feel respected, engaged, and ready to learn. In today’s episode, we’ll explore strategies that can help you build a positive classroom culture, maintain order without stifling creativity, and foster meaningful connections with your students. 

We’ll also wrap up with a special bonus segment answering a common parent question on how classroom management impacts their child’s education.

Show Notes

For more information on this topic check out the following resources below:

• Marzano, Robert J. - "Classroom Management That Works: Research-Based Strategies for Every Teacher": An essential guide for effective classroom management strategies.
• Edutopia – Classroom Management Tips: www.edutopia.org - Articles, videos, and strategies for managing high school classrooms.
• Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS): www.pbis.org - Resources on creating positive, proactive behavior management systems.
• American Psychological Association (APA) - Classroom Management Resources: www.apa.org - Strategies and insights on managing student behavior effectively.
• The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP): www.nassp.org - Professional development resources for secondary school educators.

Stay tuned for more episodes, and remember, every student is unique, and every classroom can be a place where all students succeed. Keep teaching with valor!

Transcript

Don: 0:07

Welcome back to the Teaching with Valor Podcast. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today, we’re diving into a topic that’s always top of mind for high school teachers: classroom management. We know that managing a high school classroom is no easy task. With students juggling academics, social dynamics, extracurricular activities, and their growing independence, it can feel like you’re constantly walking a tightrope between being authoritative and approachable. But here’s the thing: effective classroom management isn’t about control or strict discipline. It’s about creating an environment where all students feel respected, engaged, and ready to learn. In today’s episode, we’ll explore strategies that can help you build a positive classroom culture, maintain order without stifling creativity, and foster meaningful connections with your students. We’ll also wrap up with a special bonus segment answering a common parent question on how classroom management impacts their child’s education. So, let’s get started. In today's first segment: we will look at Understanding the High School Classroom Environment. To manage a high school classroom effectively, it’s important to first understand the unique environment you’re working in. High school students are at a stage where they crave autonomy and independence, but they still need structure and guidance. They’re navigating a complex social landscape, filled with peer pressure, identity exploration, and a desire for self-expression. At the same time, they’re preparing for the next big step in their lives, whether that’s college, a career, or another path altogether. This dynamic creates a unique challenge for teachers. On one hand, you want to encourage their independence and help them build critical thinking skills. On the other, you need to maintain an environment where learning is the primary focus and disruptions are minimized. One of the first steps in managing this environment is recognizing that high school students are not just older versions of middle school students. They are dealing with more adult-like concerns, and they respond better when treated with respect and given a voice in their education. Creating an environment of mutual respect is key. This starts with setting clear expectations from day one. High school students need to know what’s expected of them, both academically and behaviorally. But they also need to understand why these expectations are in place. When you explain the reasons behind your classroom rules: such as why it’s important to arrive on time, participate respectfully, or limit cell phone use: you’re not just enforcing discipline; you’re helping students understand the values and skills that will benefit them beyond your classroom. One effective approach is to involve students in creating the classroom norms. At the beginning of the year, spend some time discussing what makes a positive learning environment. Ask your students for their input on what rules should exist and why. This collaborative approach not only gives students a sense of ownership over the classroom culture but also makes them more likely to adhere to the norms they helped create. It fosters a sense of community and accountability that can reduce behavioral issues over time. Now that we’ve laid the foundation for a respectful classroom environment, let’s move into some specific strategies for managing behavior and keeping students engaged. In this segment we look at: Strategies for Managing Behavior and Engaging Students. Effective classroom management in high school is about balancing proactive strategies with reactive ones. Let’s start with the proactive side of things. One of the most powerful tools you have as a teacher is relationship building. High school students are far more likely to respond positively to teachers they feel genuinely care about them. This doesn’t mean you have to be their friend, but it does mean showing interest in who they are as individuals: what they like, what they struggle with, and what their goals are. Take time at the beginning of each class or week to do a quick check-in with your students. This could be as simple as asking them to share a“high” and a“low” from their week, or it could involve more structured activities like journal writing or small group discussions. When students feel seen and heard, they’re more likely to respect your authority and engage in the learning process. Another proactive strategy is to create lessons that are dynamic and relevant. High school students are quick to disengage if they don’t see the value in what they’re learning. Try to connect your lessons to real-world issues or current events, and offer choices whenever possible. Allowing students to choose their project topics, research questions, or presentation formats can increase their motivation and sense of ownership over their learning. On the reactive side, it’s important to have a clear plan for addressing disruptive behavior. When disruptions occur, respond calmly and consistently. Address the behavior, not the student, to avoid making it personal. For example, instead of saying,“Why are you always talking in class?” try,“I need everyone to be quiet while I’m explaining this concept.” This approach keeps the focus on the behavior and what needs to change, rather than attacking the student’s character. If a student continues to disrupt, consider speaking with them privately rather than calling them out in front of their peers. This can help avoid power struggles and embarrassment. In a private conversation, express your concern, ask about any underlying issues, and collaborate on a plan to improve their behavior. Sometimes, students act out due to stress, anxiety, or external factors, and a private, empathetic conversation can go a long way in addressing the root cause. Positive reinforcement is another effective tool for managing behavior. When you notice students following the rules or going above and beyond, acknowledge it. This could be as simple as a verbal thank-you or more formal, like a note or a small reward. Recognition reinforces the behaviors you want to see and motivates other students to follow suit. We’ve covered the basics of creating a positive classroom culture and managing behavior. Now, let’s dive into some creative strategies for maintaining student engagement and keeping things running smoothly. In this last segment, we will look at: Creative Engagement and Classroom Management Techniques. Keeping high school students engaged requires creativity and flexibility. One strategy that works well is incorporating movement into your lessons. High schoolers, like all of us, can become restless if they’re sitting for too long. You might include activities that require them to get up and move around, like gallery walks, station rotations, or“think-pair-share” exercises where they discuss with a partner and then share with the class. Technology can also be a powerful ally in keeping students engaged. Consider using digital tools like interactive quizzes, collaborative documents, or discussion boards. These tools can make learning more interactive and appeal to students’ love of technology. Gamifying certain elements of your classroom, like turning review sessions into a game show or creating class competitions, can also foster engagement. Another technique is to vary your instructional methods regularly. Switch between direct instruction, group work, individual research, and hands-on activities. This not only caters to different learning styles but also prevents monotony, which can lead to disengagement. Think about creating thematic days, like“Media Monday,” where students analyze videos or articles related to your content, or“Workshop Wednesday,” where they work on projects or skills in a more relaxed, collaborative environment. You should also consider developing routines and procedures that help your classroom run smoothly. High school students appreciate consistency and knowing what to expect. Simple routines like how to start class, how to transition between activities, and how to submit assignments can save time and reduce confusion. At the same time, be willing to adjust these routines when they’re not working or when you see an opportunity to improve them. We reach our bonus segment and parent question:“How does classroom management impact my child’s learning?” It’s a valid question because classroom management is often seen as something that only affects teachers. In reality, a well-managed classroom creates a safe, structured environment where students can focus on learning without unnecessary distractions or disruptions. When classroom management is effective, your child benefits from a consistent routine, clear expectations, and a positive, respectful atmosphere. This helps them feel secure, knowing what’s expected of them and how to meet those expectations. They’re more likely to participate, take risks, and engage in deep thinking when they know the classroom is a safe space for learning. Classroom management also affects your child’s ability to build social-emotional skills, such as empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution. When a teacher manages the classroom well, they model these skills and provide opportunities for students to practice them. This means your child is not just learning academic content but also developing the skills they need to navigate relationships and challenges in the real world. If you’re a parent and have concerns or questions about how classroom management is being handled, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher. Open communication helps build a partnership that supports your child’s success. High school classroom management is about more than just keeping order; it’s about creating an environment where students feel respected, engaged, and ready to learn. By building strong relationships, setting clear expectations, using proactive and reactive strategies effectively, and fostering creativity and engagement, we can make our classrooms places where all students thrive. Thank you for joining us on this episode of the Teaching with Valor Podcast. For more resources on high school classroom management and creating a positive learning environment, check out the links in our episode description. Keep managing with care, keep inspiring, and as always, keep teaching with valor.