One of the most important things a new teacher must learn is how to manage the classroom. This is both an attitude and a skill. An effective teacher is a leader, not a boss—someone who can motivate students and show them why it’s in their best interest to learn. The day-to-day reality, however, is that you’re also coping constantly with minor annoyances, squabbles and other disturbances. How do you create and maintain a positive learning environment?

Experts agree that prevention is the key. Try these tips from your colleagues:

• Create a supportive classroom. Be approachable. Let students get to know you by sharing something about yourself, your family and your pets. Notice and acknowledge students; let them know that you care about them, respect them and think they can succeed.
• Be aware. Good teachers know what’s going on in the classroom at all times, so they can anticipate trouble and head it off—a quality sometimes referred to as “eyes in the back of your head.” Arrange your classroom to make this possible.
• Structure the time in your class. Students need a predictable schedule to feel safe. Start each class with an attention-grabber such as a word of the day, trivia question or math problem whatever enhances your curriculum.
• Try to minimize students’ frustration levels. The most important behavior intervention may be an academic one. Arrange lessons so that students can succeed if they work at it. Allow them to choose ways to satisfy the requirements of your class. You may eliminate many frustrations that lead to disruptive behavior.
• Teach study skills along with subject matter. Many students do not know how to study, develop an outline or use a reference book to prevent their frustration from boiling over into behavior problems. For example, you might review graph-reading techniques and charting procedures in math or note-taking techniques in other subjects.
• Give students specific ways to ask you for help. Some students aren’t comfortable asking you in front of the entire class. Arrange for students to give you a signal when they need help, such as putting a book on the corner of their desk or let them know they can meet with you briefly after class.
• Be the one in charge. Students want you to be the adult, not the buddy. They don’t want you to tolerate disruptive behavior. Let each student know it is his or her responsibility to control his or her behavior.
• Know your stuff. The better you know your subject and pedagogy, the better your students will respond to your teaching. If you don’t know the answer to a question, say so and try to find the answer if it’s relevant to the class.
• Dress for success. If you present a professional appearance, you’ll get more respect from students, parents, administrators, and colleagues.