12 Classroom Management Techniques Learned From Teaching Veterans

Veteran teachers are a great source of support for first-year teachers. Not only do they offer advice and inspiration to new teachers, they model effective teaching practices. That's why there is tremendous value for new teachers in observing more experienced colleagues. Through observations, new teachers are able to experience authentic teaching by seasoned educators with real students. And, when they reflect on what they learn from observing teaching vets, new teachers discover many take-aways for their own professional practice.

Here are twelve key takeaways preservice teachers in the Rutgers Alternate Route program learned about classroom management while observing veteran teachers.

Create a Warm & Welcoming Environment

These teachers learned new ways to establish a positive tone in the classrooms:

"A well-managed class has a lot to do with how the teacher has established the classroom climate. The class I visited was warm, welcoming and personal. Clearly, the students and teachers both wanted the same outcome which is for the students to succeed. The atmosphere was so relaxed and respectful. Students were permitted to sit anywhere- even on couches and were rarely off-task."

—Katelyn Brady, English

"Creating a relaxed environment in the classroom helps students feel at ease while learning. It helps them to not be nervous while trying to answer questions. This can be done by playing music gently in the background."

—Samantha Hart, Business

Calmly Redirect Disruptive Students

More important insights about managing student behavior:

"You can be effective keeping order just by firmly 'keeping it moving.' There was one student in the class where I observed who was particularly talkative and disruptive, but it never got out of hand because the teacher stayed firm and continued with the lesson. She never directly engaged the disruptions; she would just say “okay, that's’ enough” and continue on. She was also very calm when she did this and the class responded calmly as a result." 

—Travis Boscia, History

The teacher’s classroom management and ability to lead students without having to discipline them was a great example for me to learn how to make sure a lesson continues on its course. The teacher demonstrated how to lead students out of side-conversations without having to discipline them.

—Sean Ruffman, U.S. History

Be Organized & Consistent

These teachers observed the importance of being organized:

The most important thing I learned from this experience is that regardless of grade, age or subject, I must be organized, consistent and confident on the very first day I am with my students. In being that way, I will set the tone for which the rest of the school year will flow. Also understanding that it will take much longer than day one to demonstrate the kind of classroom that the teacher I observed has in place. It will take lots of time and plenty of consistency.

—Renita R. Reese, Special Education

Be prepared all the time and have all materials accessible. Also have set plans and extra resources.

—Ada Membreno, Spanish

What I really enjoyed and will definitely apply in my own teaching was the use of technology for organization. All of the classroom transitions were projected in front of the classroom via a Powerpoint on his Smartboard projector. Even the teacher’s “Do Now” was dictated through a Powerpoint on the Smartboard. It was very informative to see first-hand how to integrate technology into the classroom.

—Sean Ruffman, U.S. History

Routine, Routine, Routine!

What these teachers observe can help you think about blind spots you may encounter as you launch a new teaching career:

Routines are important. I saw the students show up in the classroom on time and put away their cellphones in the phone bag. They followed the classroom rules and were well-behaved.

—Ching-Yi Lin, Chinese

Classroom management is paramount to getting anything done. If you can’t control the classroom, it doesn’t matter how knowledgeable or smart you are, you can’t transmit that information to your students properly.

—Craig Sanphy, Music

Time management within a classroom and how to transition from one subject to the next are very important. I also learned that it takes a lot more effort to teach than to just help. There is a lot that goes into teaching and managing a class.

—Shianne Martinez, Music

It is imperative for the students to be put to work as soon as they get into the class to avoid disruption. They must always be busy and engaged in the work. Also, pace is an important part of a lesson to consider since some students work quicker than others.

—Tyler Johnston, Science

ELLs need a positive classroom environment. They feel very scared and frustrated. An ELL teacher must carefully script and plan lessons so that the teacher can include plenty of opportunities to celebrate them and build their confidence. ELLs truly need to the opportunity to see their growth and understand what they are doing well.

—Jacquelyn Stypulkowski, ESL

Your Turn

What other classroom management lessons have you learned while teaching? Share your observations in the comments!