5: Be Consistent

"Consistency in teaching basically means that your students know what to expect from you day to day you rules do not change. You are not strict one day and easy going the next. There are no surprises for you kids, and they do not have to feel like they are walking on eggshells. Consistency is important if you want to earn the respect of your students.
If you spend some time in a consistent teacher's classroom , you will find that every student knows the rules. Students know what is expected of them, and there is no question of what will happen if they fail to live up to those expectations. The teacher's demeanor in a consistent classroom does not change from a period to period or day to day. Because everyone knows the consequences and there is no doubt about the reaction of the teacher, misbehavior is greatly reduced. Students in a consistent classroom can feel safe and can focus on what is important not what mood the teacher happens to be in on a particular day. This is one of the many secrets that effective teachers share."

I decided on this to be the first "tip" because I feel that consistency is very important and should be started on the very first day. (even as I start to sub, they will remember and so must I!) Some teachers I know like to start the year off with intimidation or ease into their discipline routines, however I plan on being consistent from day one. Perhaps the consistency will seem harsh to some students because they have never had it at home, but just as it is said from above, "everyone knows the consequences and there is no doubt about the reaction of the teacher, misbehavior is greatly reduced." My goal is to have a safe learning environment, a strong line, and no power struggles between teacher and students.