Classroom management can test even the most experienced teacher—especially when the strategies that usually work suddenly don’t seem to be enough. In this episode, Lindsay, Donell, and Stacy have an open conversation about challenging classroom behavior, maintaining high expectations, setting boundaries, and the very real toll it can take on teachers. They share strategies, resources, and reminders for navigating the hard days while finding ways to support students and teachers.
Show Notes
When classroom behavior begins consuming more time and energy than instruction, what can teachers do?
In this episode, the Literacy Talks trio explores the realities of classroom management—from explicitly teaching and practicing expectations to using positive reinforcement, individual supports, and consistent consequences. They also discuss something that often receives less attention: the emotional load teachers carry when managing challenging behavior day after day.
The conversation includes ideas for setting boundaries, seeking support from colleagues and administrators, partnering with families, and recognizing when teachers themselves may need additional support.
Books and Resources Mentioned in the Episode
- Ross Greene — Lost at School, 2014 Lost and Found, 2016 The central idea behind Greene's Collaborative & Proactive Solutions approach is that challenging behavior may reflect lagging skills rather than simply willful defiance. That's a very useful lens for teachers. https://drrossgreene.com/lost-at-school.htm
- The IRIS Center at Vanderbilt University — Behavior & Classroom Management
Free, evidence-based resources for educators, including modules, case studies, skill sheets, and practical guidance on classroom behavior management, behavior-specific praise, active supervision, choice making, and more.
https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/iris-resource-locator/?term=behavior-classroom-management - The IRIS Center — Fundamental Skill Sheets
Quick, practical resources covering strategies such as behavior-specific praise, proximity control, active supervision, choice making, and wait time.
https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/fundamental-skill-sheets/ - Dr. Anita Archer — “Pressing the Reset Button on Classroom Management”
A practical presentation on research-based classroom management practices and creating an environment where students can learn and teachers can teach.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLG65NH6YMQ - Love and Logic for Educators
Stacy discusses using principles from Love and Logic to put responsibility for choices back on students while responding with empathy and consistency. Free educator articles and resources are available here:
https://www.loveandlogic.com/pages/articles-and-advice-for-educators - NeuroLaunch https://neurolaunch.com/mhi-mental-health/
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