Setting the tone for your classroom is the easiest and most important strategy in your repertoire. Atmosphere. Ambience. Mood. The character of your room is your best defense against behavior problems. My claim that it is easy does not mean that it’s simple or that it doesn’t require thought and effort. I mean that it is “easiest” because it is the one factor over which you have the most control. And it is the trait that can have the biggest impact on students’ behaviors. Oft

As a life-long educator, and educatee, August has always felt a bit more like New Year’s Day than has January 1. If that resonates with you, then you’re likely an educator who has spent June and July writing and planning more goals for the academic year than you did for the new calendar year. I’ve seen you this summer. You’ve spent your “vacation” reading, writing, attending workshops, poring over literature, creating activities, and fashioning plans that you know will engage