Classroom Management. And then it happens!

You’ve done the work. Your classroom is beautifully planned.
You’ve modeled expectations. Students have practiced routines.
You feel ready.

And then—
It happens.

A student challenges the structure. Maybe they talk back. Maybe they refuse to follow a simple instruction. You feel the heat rise. It’s tempting to make an example of them. To “put them on blast.” To write their name on the board.
And it might work—in the short term.

But just because something works, doesn’t mean we should do it.

No Public Shaming. Ever.

It feels powerful to call a student out in front of the class. It might feel satisfying in the moment. But public discipline is rarely about growth—for you or the student. It shuts down trust. It can create resentment. And worst of all, it can turn into a power struggle that derails learning for everyone.

The Goal Isn’t Compliance. It’s Connection.

Do a quick reminder to the student: “Please take your seat.” Thanks. Then walk away. “Please give me your attention. Thanks.” Then walk away. Assume the student will do what you have asked so everyone can begin learning.

So when a student again chooses by answering back or fail to do what you have asked, what’s next?

Take a breath. Then, wait. Remember the 3 Don’ts:

• Don’t take it personally - Calm yourself. Do not escalate. Do not engage.

• Don’t shame the student -

• Don’t have the conversation in class. (Resist the temptation to be derailed from teaching and escalate a power struggle. ‘Taking the bait’ never works and always has negative consequences for all learners.

Instead, say calmly:

“Please take a seat. Thank you.” (It’s important to say “thank you” so the student understands that is what you expect to happen) Do not look at the student. Walk away We’ll have a chat together after.” Then walk away. If you generally have a pretty good class who can work on independent work you can ask the student to have a quick chat outside the door, but not in front of the class. If the student continues to talk and not take his seat, say: “We just need to have a quick chat”, and gesture to just outside the door.

You can also choose to delay the conversation with the student - at lunch, after school or a time when the student is available. You do not engage in a power struggle during class. I prefer to delay the chat with the student and catch up with them before the next class.

You don’t have the conversation with an audience. which becomes a power struggle. The goal is to determine what is going on with the student and how he/she can be ready to be a successful learner in your classroom, which is the goal of the out-of-classroom conversation. The goal is not to punish the student. The goal is to make a connection with the student and be on the same page about what is expected in your classroom.

Always follow up with the student

It’s crucial that you follow up with the student before the next class!

Start with empathy. You need to preserve a child’s dignity and stick to the facts of what happened.

“Here’s what I saw…” (I asked you to sit down and you continued talking to your friends at the back of the classroom. I began teaching the class and you continued to talk which distracted everyone.)
“I am your teacher and the only reason I am here is for you to find success. Let’s figure this out together.”

What was going on with you?

This isn’t about letting things slide.

Know Your Students. Really Know Them.

Classroom management is never one-size-fits-all. Some students respond well to playful redirection:

“Hey Julian. Sit down, Thanks” (Keep moving. No pause.)
Others need a firm, direct boundary.
Some need gentle coaching, because anything harsher shuts them down.
What one student hears as confidence, another hears as confrontation.

You need to know the difference. You need to become a student of your students.
Take notes. Notice patterns. Build relationships.

A Final Word: Protect the Learning Space

When a student tries to pull you into a debate—“Why are you making me…?” or “Why do you always pick on me?” - resist the urge to respond in the moment. That’s the trap. Re-direct the student and ALWAYS follow-up before the next class.

“This isn’t the time. We’re here to learn. Let’s talk after class.”

-Keep the class focused on learning. Having a safe and effective learning space is your goal.
-Keep the correction private. Never shame students. A power struggle never is the goal.
-And always, always preserve the student’s dignity so the connection with you and the subject is preserved.