Classroom Management

Managing the Classroom Environment

As a guest presenter, you're entering someone else's space with students you don't know. Understanding how to manage classroom dynamics will help you maintain engagement and handle disruptions effectively.

Setting the Stage

Before students arrive or as they're settling in:

• Coordinate with the teacher: Ask about classroom norms, seating arrangements, and any students who may need special consideration.
• Arrange the space: If possible, set up so you can move around and maintain sight lines to all students.
• Test your technology: Make sure any equipment works before you begin.
• Request teacher presence: Ask the teacher to remain in the room. Their presence helps with behavior management and is often required by school policy.

Establishing Your Presence

Students will test guest presenters. Establish your role early:

• Be friendly but professional: You're not their buddy, but you're not an authority figure either. Find the middle ground.
• Set clear expectations: At the start, briefly explain what you need from them (attention, participation, respect for questions).
• Learn names when possible: Using students' names creates connection and accountability.
• Move around the room: Your proximity helps maintain engagement and deters side conversations.

Keeping Students Engaged

The average attention span for middle schoolers is about 10-12 minutes. For high schoolers, it's slightly longer. Plan accordingly:

• Change activities regularly: Alternate between talking, asking questions, showing materials, and having students participate.
• Ask questions: Regular questions keep students mentally active and give you feedback on comprehension.
• Use multimedia wisely: Videos and images can reinforce points, but don't let technology replace human connection.
• Include movement: Even having students raise hands or stand briefly increases engagement.
• Tell stories: Narratives are more engaging than facts and figures. Use examples that illustrate your points.

Handling Disruptions

Disruptions will happen. Handle them calmly:

Side Conversations

Move toward the talking students while continuing your presentation. Often, your proximity is enough. If it continues, pause and make eye contact. If necessary, address it directly: "I need everyone's attention for this."

Inappropriate Comments or Jokes

Don't engage or escalate. Acknowledge briefly and redirect: "That's not what we're discussing. Let's get back to..." If it continues, involve the teacher.

Challenging Questions

Some students will try to derail you with difficult questions. We'll cover how to handle these in the next lesson.

Phone Use

Follow the school and classroom policy on phones. Don't make it a power struggle—if phone use is an issue, ask the teacher to address it.

Students Who Seem Upset

Drug discussions can trigger emotional responses in students who have personal or family experience with addiction. If a student seems distressed, don't call attention to it publicly. Let the teacher know privately if you're concerned.

When to Involve the Teacher

Some situations require the classroom teacher's intervention:

• Persistent disruption after you've addressed it
• Conflicts between students
• A student who seems distressed or discloses concerning information
• Any situation that feels unsafe or beyond your expertise

You're a guest in their classroom—respect the teacher's authority and work as a team.