SUCCESSFUL CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT, one of the most essential yet difficult skills for educators, often requires the support of a community that provides valuable insights, support, and strategies to help navigate challenges and implement best practices. Plus, working together is more fun and personally rewarding. 

If you are looking to enhance your classroom management, consider the following ways to collaborate with various communities:

Join a prayer group. A prayer group can provide a firm foundation of support and wisdom for both new and seasoned educators who are trying to establish or maintain effective classroom management. Even if your school is not faith-based, you can pray with other Christian colleagues before or after school or during non-duty times, or you can pray outside of school with your friends and family.

Connect with teachers in your specialty. Many times, specialties require a specific skill set for classroom management. For example, gym teachers most likely manage their classrooms differently than math teachers! Specialized conferences and online communities can provide access to a vast network of educators who share similar challenges and successes. These groups can be a source of inspiration, advice, and camaraderie.

Gain enrichment from organizations like Teach 4 the Heart and Christian Educators. Joining professional organizations allows educators to connect with like-minded individuals who share their values and goals. These groups often provide resources, training, and forums for discussion—all of which can enrich your teaching practice and classroom management techniques.

Don’t be afraid of your administration—collaborate with them. Administrators can be allies when creating positive learning environments. Regular communication and collaboration with them can provide additional support and resources for addressing classroom challenges. Working together ensures the alignment of goals and expectations.

Observe experienced colleagues. Watching more seasoned teachers in action is one of the best ways to learn effective classroom management techniques. By watching how they handle transitions, engage students, and address disruptions, you can gain practical tips to implement in your classroom.

By leveraging the power of community, educators can enhance their classroom management skills, create a more engaging learning environment, and build a support system that fosters both professional and personal growth. Collaboration is not just a strategy—it’s a cornerstone of effective teaching.

Linda Kardamis taught middle school math before founding Teach 4 the Heart. She is the author of Create Your Dream Classroom and Take Heart and Teach and the creator of Classroom Management 101. She and her husband are raising their four kids in Northeast Ohio.

Frustrated with the chaos in your classroom? Find practical help in Teach 4 the Heart’s FREE 28-minute training: How to Reduce Disruptions so You Can Actually Teach. Sign up at teach4theheart.com/free. 

Christian Educators Members with Coverage receive a 40% discount on all Teach 4 the Heart courses as a benefit of membership. Log in to your membership account at christianeducators.org to access your discount code.