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Classroom Management: These kids are outta control. Why?

 When my 6-year-old son comes home and says my teacher "Can't take it anymore". I cringe. As an educator with over 17 years of classroom experience, I knew right away that classroom management is a major component of classroom order. I believe that the inability to manage your classroom leads to poor student retention and teacher burnout. Over the years, I have learned that routine, high expectations, and following through with behavioral consequences have led to a well-oiled machine. Keeping the parents informed and "on your side" can always help as well. Thoughts? Is there a tool, tip, or trick you would share with fellow colleagues that work for you? 
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Curriculum Question: What should be the relationship between teachers and the curriculum they teach?

  William Arthur Ward, an American motivational writer, quoted the following about teaching: “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” This statement shows the importance of teacher-student relationships that are formed only when teachers are passionate about their craft and their students. According to Pottinger (2024) teacher passion helps students become more engaged and motivated. Serin (2023) found that teachers with passion tend to have higher student outcomes than those who are not as passionate about their craft and better relationships with their students. I believe  that teachers should serve as passionate content experts who possess the capacity to adapt to and advance alongside evolving educational trends and students’ individualized learning demands.
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AI in the Secondary Classroom: Good Idea? Bad Idea?

 There has been recent concern about the use of AI technology in the classroom. As an educator in a science middle school classroom, I try to incorporate technology as much as I can with my students. However, if AI is being used, I make sure to explain appropriate and inappropriate usage. Thoughts on this? How do you use AI in your classroom? 
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