Classroom Management for Specials Teachers

Click the play bar below to listen to this week's show now:

Show Notes:

Ever feel like your classroom turns into chaos while you're trying to teach a painting lesson, explain the rules of kickball, or guide students through playing instruments? Classroom management isn’t just a concern for homeroom teachers. Specials teachers face their own unique set of challenges: rotating classes, varying expectations, and limited time to build relationships. But with the right strategies, you can turn that chaos into connection and create a learning environment where students thrive, no matter how short the time you have with them.

Since specials teachers often see each group of students only once or twice a week, establishing a well-managed classroom can take time. However, daily access isn’t necessary to create consistent routines, build mutual respect, or feel confident as the leader of your space. In today’s episode, I’ll walk you through several classroom management strategies tailored specifically for specialist teachers, along with practical tools for implementing them.

One idea I constantly emphasize is the importance of being proactive rather than reactive. Preventing disruptive behaviors before they begin is a key part of strong classroom management. That’s why tools like clear rules and consistent procedures are so important. When expectations are established early and logical consequences are in place, students know what behavior is expected and what will happen if it’s not followed.

It’s also essential to focus on and celebrate positive behavior. Reinforcement strategies help build a happy, collaborative classroom community, which naturally strengthens your management approach. And these strategies don't just support your students, they support you, too. By learning to regulate your own emotions, you improve your mental well-being, which in turn enhances your effectiveness in the classroom.

Classroom management isn’t just about keeping order. It’s about creating consistency, building relationships, and making every minute count. Even if you only see your students once or twice a week, your classroom doesn't have to feel disconnected or chaotic. With clear expectations, engaging routines, and a bit of flexibility, you have the power not just to manage your classroom, but to inspire it.

 Inside this week's show, you'll learn:

• A quick recap of what was covered during Teacher Summer Camp.
• Strategies for effective classroom management as a specialist teacher.
• Tools and resources from the Classroom Management Club to support routines, expectations, and positive reinforcement.
• Practical examples for establishing rules, procedures, and class jobs tailored to specialist teachers.

Links & resources mentioned inside this episode: 

• Classroom Management Club Waitlist
• Beginning Teacher Talk on YouTube
• Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms
• Lung Cancer Free: One Couple’s Journey Through a “Lungs in a Box” Double Lung Transplant.
• Enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card by leaving a review for Beginning Teacher Talk on Apple Podcasts!
• Follow Dr. Lori on Instagram
• Follow Dr. Lori on Facebook
• Follow Beginning Teacher Talk on TikTok

I hope this information is helpful as you prepare for your first, second, or third year of teaching. Until next time, remember, just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one.

💛 Lori

Dr. Lori Friesen | Beginning Teacher Mentor

Creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy and The Classroom Management Club, Dr. Lori Friesen has mentored thousands of beginning teachers across the country through her workshops and courses. Host of the popular podcast Beginning Teacher Talk and author of Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do, Dr. Lori is dedicated to serving educators and inspiring learners. Learn more at drlorifriesen.com.

Want to listen on a different platform? Here are the links:

Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts.

Click here to listen on Spotify.

Click here to listen on YouTube.

Click here to listen on iHeart Radio.

Click here to listen on Audible.

Click here to listen on other apps.

Related episodes you might enjoy:

• Classroom Management Mastery Series Part Three: How to Stay Positive AND Consistently Deliver Natural Consequences
• Classroom Management Mastery Series Part One: How to Lay the Foundation for Your Classroom Management Plan in 4 Clear Steps
• 4 Mistakes New Teachers Make with Classroom Management (& How to Prevent Them)
• Classroom Management 101: 5 Secrets Nobody Tells You in University
• How to Create Your Classroom Management Plan: Materials, Routines, Rules & Class Jobs

Follow:

Are you following my podcast? I release fresh, new content every single week and I don't want you to miss out! 💛  Click here to follow on Apple Podcasts.

Leave a Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you are loving the podcast, I would be so grateful if you would leave me a review over on Apple Podcasts or on Audible. Each time you leave a review, Apple Podcasts or Audible recommends my podcast to other new teachers so they feel a little less alone as they navigate their first few years of teaching. 

To leave a review on Apple Podcasts, just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know how this podcast is helping you inside your classroom!

To leave a review on Audible, just click here. Under "More Options" you can select "Write a review." I so appreciate your support in helping me get the word out to new teachers around the world.