This page contains a variety of articles I wrote while I was actively teaching. They are mostly about the skills needed to teach effectively and successfully, and the kinds of problems teachers can encounter. Almost all of them are serious in nature, a few are humourous, and many contain quite personal reflections. There were originally close to two hundred of them, but I discovered when rereading them before posting them here that many were outdated, or repetitious. Some were directed solely at Education students. Many had to be rewritten with new information. Although my thoughts mostly haven't changed, the way I presented them sometimes needed a new approach. All the documents are in pdf format, so they will load and save quickly. Use the 'Back' arrow in your browser to return here. There are about fifty articles posted. Most are directed at beginning teachers, but I think there is valuable information here for all teachers. Also, feel free to disagree with anything I've written. I love feedback; you can contact me at billwillischristian2010@gmail.com. Be a Better Teacher Praising Effort Praising effort, not ability. 25 Ways to Say 'Good Job' Use as many of these as you can, every day! Learning to Jump In Learn to get right in there and help students. Classroom Climate Checklist Making students feel comfortable and cared about. Classroom Management The hardest skill to master. See some different techniques. Differentiated Instruction A few thoughts; not a 'How To' page. More Tips for New Teachers A few important ideas. Brain-Friendly Teaching Helping students' brains learn. Sweat the Small Stuff New teachers need to do this! Talking to Students Practice effective communication. Using Empathy Use empathy to help students overcome their behaviour problems. Teacher-Student Relationships The benefits of developing a positive relationship with students. Split Classes How to manage them and teach effectively. Teaching is a Skill Improve your teaching practice. Ideas from administrators. Brainstorming How it works. Teaching Mathematics The proper use of resources. Teaching Math 30 General principles to ensure student success. The Nine Habits of Highly Ineffective Teachers I've seen them all! Discipline Discipline and New Teachers What works, and what doesn't. Discipline That Works More ideas that really work. More Discipline Ideas All kinds of good suggestions. Positive Discipline Correction should always be positive. Lots of examples. Engaging Students Encouraging Creativity Recognizing these special students. Engaging All Students A few ideas to help students stay focused. Engaging Everyone More tips, with more detail. Motivating Students Lots of things you can do to motivate students. Promoting Reading and Writing What a primary classroom should look like.       Student Problems Bullying The fact that this is still a thing means we all need to work on it. High Needs Students Some students need more attention, but not because of any physical infirmity. Recognizing Depression or Suicide Potential Watching for the signs. Self Harm Cutting and self harm: what you need to know. Helping Kids With Behaviour Problems Teach them the skills they need. Peer Pressure Consequences for students. Educational Theory Bloom's Taxonomy This is part one of a two-article series I wrote. Bloom's Taxonomy Part 2 Often neglected, this subject will always be of value. Using Social Learning Theory Using Bandura's theories in your classroom. Play The benefits of play for very young students. Ethics in Teaching Helping you to decide what to do. Suspect Educational Practices This is an opinion piece. Feel free to disagree vehemently. Real Life Teachers Good and Bad A few descriptions of teachers I've known. Memorable Teachers A few teachers who made an impression on me as a student. Successful Teachers What they look like. When Things Go Wrong Bad things can happen. Don't let them happen to you. According to Students What students say about good and bad teachers. Declining Standards of Morality You don't have to agree with me. But it's a thing. Miscellaneous Communicating More Effectively 34 good suggestions for everyone, not just teachers. Alternatives to Traditional Assessment Lots of ideas here. Preparing for Exams Suggestions to pass on to your students that work in college too. Mistakes Beginners Make As a beginning teacher, try not to do these things. My Fling With Chemistry There's a lesson in here somewhere ... Humour Complaints Go ahead. We dare you! Keeping a Journal An example for my student teacher. She wasn't impressed. Why I Could Never Be an Elementary Teacher Sad, but true. Education Courses We All Hated Not Emily. She lives for this stuff! Sr High Teachers Have it Easy! or, 'Help, I/m trapped in a grade 1 classroom and don't want to be here!' See also my short story Crime and Punishment. Adventures in a Grade One-Two Classroom This is a true story. Mostly. Main Page Content, HTML, graphics & design by Bill Willis 2023