Jim Shaulis was a keynote speaker at our New Educator Program launch in the School District of Manatee County.  His presentation was well-received and the classroom management strategies he shared with 300+ teachers were teacher-friendly and ready to implement.  We are thankful to have had him in our District for a wonderful day of Professional Learning.  The teachers loved his book, too!  Dr. Patricia Goff, Manatee County School District, Bradenton, FL

Thank you for visiting my website.  Managing Student Behavior is for both new and veteran teachers.  A great effort has been made to make it a quick, concise read. Here is a brief list of some of the tips and strategies:

1. Foster teacher-student relationships. They are the foundation                   of student management.  Being a caring, responsible adult provides        the students with another role model in their lives.  Always greet          at the door.
2. Use private discipline leaving the student some dignity.
3. Avoid group punishment. It is only effective when used lightly such as: We will begin when everyone is focused.  Or As soon as the room is clean and straight we will go to lunch.  Never punish the innocent.
4. There should be a procedure for anything you have your students do on a regular basis. This will avoid confusion, save time, and reduce misbehaviors. Procedures should become routines.  Examples: entering the room, handing in papers, dismissal, what to do when all work is completed, etc.  (Harry Wong)
5. A quiet signal saves time. Only instruct quiet students.  A raised hand can be effective.
6. Withitness, the ability to see and hear all, is vital to successful management. Face your audience as much as possible and be aware of the trouble spots.
7. Take the time to carefully plan seating assignments. Use the five-point rule of splitting up challenging students and using model students to influence and assist others.
8. Subtle redirections can prevent misbehaviors from escalating. One example: a slow turn towards the off-task-student with a neutral expression and a pause of instruction.  (Fred Jones)
9. Always follow up your redirections to make sure they are accepted. It sends the message to the class that you have high expectations and that you mean what you say.
10. Circulate as much as you can during instruction. Your proximity to your students has a direct correlation to their behavior.  For difficult students, they can be regularly checked upon by simply pretending to check upon those around them – being covert with your proximity.
11. Posted behavior plans provide the teacher and the students with expectations, consequences, and rewards. When appropriately taught, followed and given, students feel secure. Teachers have flexibility regarding when redirections stop and consequences begin.  (This may vary with individual needs.)
12. Acknowledge/reinforce students when they display good character. (Privately for older students)
13. One-to-one conferences can be effective when the teacher keeps them private, pretends that the parents are standing behind the child, and keeps a neutral expression. (Student should never view their classmates during this time.  They should at least face away from them.)
14. Timeouts are sometime necessary. They come in many forms: change of seat, special place in the room, sent to a colleague, etc.
15. The non-compliant require extra attention and patience. Read their cumulative folder, research previous teachers, look for lacking resources, set up SMART goals, use a tally card and/or self-reflection, etc., but never give up.   (Specific, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound)
16. Keep your composure. Fred Jones quote: It takes one fool to talk back.  It takes two fools to make a conversation out of it.  Keeping a relaxed jaw and making up a grocery list in your head are helpful tips. 
17. Give Time and space after redirecting the non-compliant. Don’t be a vulture hovering over their prey.
18. Further suggestions for the non-compliant: “Walk in their shoes,” use questions, give choices, Use “broken record,” postpone 1:1 to let emotions settle down, share experiences, use positive talk, etc.

The topics of bullying and instruction are also covered.

Go to Barnes and Noble or Amazon Books.  Just enter my name: Jim Shaulis.  I encourage you to purchase the paperback form so you can earmark pages and highlight passages that you find to be the most helpful.  The intent of this book is to be read more than once and to be used as a reference throughout the year.  It would also make for an excellent book study with colleagues.

I am confident that you will find this book worthy of the $12.99 investment.

Best wishes for a safe and productive school year,

Jim Shaulis

I can be contacted by phone: 941-544-8725 or by email: jimshaulis@gmail.com .