13 kickass classroom management strategies for high school

As a teacher, one of the biggest challenges can be the disruptive behavior of students in our classrooms. Some days it can feel like you are herding cats, while other days it can feel like you’re stuck in the world of Jurassic Park or Jumanji. 

Not only can this make our job difficult and unenjoyable, it can also disrupt the learning opportunities of other students. 

But don’t fear – In this blog post I will give you 13 kickass classroom management strategies for high school students to help you keep the peace and keep your sanity intact.

Why is classroom management strategies for high school teachers important?

Now, I know what you might be thinking. “But why is it such a big deal? Can’t I just wing it?” Trust me, as someone who’s been there, winging it can sometimes feel like stepping into a lion’s den wearing a suit made of steak. It’s not pretty.

So, why exactly is having a plan for classroom management strategies for high school so important? Let me break it down for you:

1. Smooth Sailing: Picture this: you walk into your classroom, armed with enthusiasm and a boatload of knowledge to impart. But oh no, chaos erupts! Students are chatting away, papers are flying, and you’re left wondering if you accidentally stepped into a reality TV show (and not the good kind).

A good classroom management plan helps prevent this chaos from ever happening. It sets clear expectations for behavior and routines, creating an environment where learning can thrive without disruptions.

2. Respect: Respect is a two-way street, my friends. By establishing consistent rules and consequences, you’re showing your students that you respect them enough to hold them to high standards. And in return, they’ll (hopefully) respect you enough to follow those rules. It’s a beautiful cycle of mutual respect that forms the foundation of a positive classroom culture.

3, Time: Time is precious, especially in the classroom. Every minute spent wrangling unruly high schoolers is a minute stolen from valuable teaching and learning time. A well-oiled classroom management plan ensures that time is spent where it matters most: on engaging lessons and meaningful interactions with students.

classroom management strategies for high school 

4. Support: Let’s face it, high school can be tough. There’s pressure from all directions – academics, social life, extracurriculars, you name it. A good classroom management plan doesn’t just focus on discipline; it also creates a supportive environment where students feel safe to express themselves and ask for help when they need it. It’s like having a safety net woven from mutual understanding and empathy.

5. Sanity: Teaching is hard enough as it is. You’ve got a million things on your plate – lesson planning, grading, meetings, the list goes on. The last thing you need is to spend your days battling classroom chaos. A solid management plan provides structure and consistency, giving you the peace of mind to focus on what you do best: inspiring young minds.

classroom management strategies for high school 

13 kickass classroom management strategies for high school

1. Set Clear Expectations from Day One

Picture this: it’s the first day of school, and you walk into your classroom radiating confidence. You lay down the law (in a friendly way, of course) and let your students know exactly what you expect from them. Whether it’s about participation, homework deadlines, or respecting others, make sure you set clear rules. This sets the tone for the entire school year.

For new teachers this is even more important as you don’t yet have your reputation to preceed you. These are students you’ve never taught before and so they are going to want to figure out exactly where you stand in regard to discipline and behavior management.

This doesn’t mean you can’t include your students in setting classroom rules. This is a classroom management strategy some teachers use to help students take ownership over their behavior in the classroom. If this is a strategy you would like to use, then make sure you also have your non-negotiable rules included as well.

classroom management strategies for high school  

2. Use a seating plan

A seating plan is a good classroom management tool to use as it is a really clear depiction of the authority you have in the room which is recognised instantly by students.

While I like to get my classroom to the point I don’t use a seating plan, I often start the year with is as another tool to help create an orderly classroom while I also get to know the class dynamics (plus learn names!)

3. Be Consistent

Consistency is key. Once you’ve established those expectations, stick to them like glue. If you let things slide one day and crack down the next, you’ll confuse your students and that is when chaos can fester.

classroom management strategies for high school  

4. Use Positive Reinforcement 

Who doesn’t love a little pat on the back every now and then? Shower your students with praise when they meet (or exceed) your expectations in regard to positive behavior. It could be a simple “great job” or a high-five on their way out the door. Positive reinforcement not only boosts morale but also encourages good behavior to become a habit.

You may like my blog post on 6 ways to use positive reinforcement.

5. Get to Know Your Students on a Personal Level

Of all the classroom management strategies for high school, I have found this to be the most effective.

Forget the stereotype of the distant, unapproachable teacher. Take the time to really get to know your students beyond their test scores. Learn your students’ names (bonus points if you can pronounce them correctly), ask about their interests, and show genuine care for their well-being. 

When students feel seen and valued, they’re more likely to respect you and your rules and it positively impacts student learning. 

Building strong relationships with students will also make your job much more enjoyable. You are going to be around these middle school students or high school students every day – it helps if you like them! 

The research is very clear that positive teacher-student relationships has a huge impact on student learning. 

You may like my blog post on 5 ways to build positive relationships with students.

6. Keep Lessons Engaging

Let’s face it, nobody wants to sit through a boring lesson. Keep things moving and interactive to hold your students’ attention.

Incorporate group work, hands-on projects, and multimedia resources to spice things up and promote active participation.

7. Address Misbehavior Swiftly and Privately

When you spot a misbehaving student or a hint of declining student behavior, nip it in the bud before it spreads like wildfire. 

Pull them aside for a quick chat and address the issue calmly but firmly. Listen to their side of the story and work together to find a solution. This shows that you’re approachable and fair, but also no-nonsense when it comes to maintaining order.

Doing this privately also allows students to feel heard without being embarrassed in front of the whole class. There may be more going on behind the surface than just the behavior you witness.

8. Use Humor Wisely

You may not normally think of this when you think about classroom management strategies for high school. But for high school teachers, a well-timed joke or a witty comment can work wonders for defusing tension in the classroom.

Remember, humor is like salt in your cooking—too much, and you’ll ruin the dish. Keep it light and appropriate, and always be mindful of your students’ feelings. A little laughter goes a long way in building rapport with your class.

classroom management strategies for high school

9. Create an Inclusive Environment

Every student deserves to feel safe and welcome in your classroom, regardless of their background or beliefs. Take proactive steps to foster inclusivity and celebrate diversity. Set ground rules against bullying and discrimination, and lead by example in treating everyone with respect and empathy. 

While building a positive classroom environment may take some time, starting out with these clear ground rules will help students to know that you are interested in making sure it is a positive learning environment for everyone.

When students feel accepted for who they are, and feel they have a safe space in the classroom, they’re more likely to thrive academically and socially.

classroom management strategies for high school 

10. Offer Choices

Nobody likes being told what to do all the time. Give your students a sense of autonomy by offering choices whenever possible. Whether it’s picking their own seat, selecting from a list of project topics, or deciding how to demonstrate their understanding, letting students make decisions empowers them to take ownership of their learning.

11. Communicate with Parents

Keep the lines of communication open with parents or guardians. They’re your allies in this crazy journey called education, so don’t be afraid to reach out when necessary.

Whether it’s to share good news, address concerns about inappropriate behavior, or collaborate on solutions, involving parents in their child’s education strengthens the support network and reinforces the importance of teamwork.

12. Always welcome students at the door with a smile

High school classrooms can be a daunting place for students. By greeting students at the door with a smile, they will feel welcome and your smile may ease any tension or anxiety they have about coming in. If students feel that you are in a good mood, they are more likely to relax which will allow their brains to learn. 

classroom management strategies for high school  

13. Use non-verbal cues and move around the room

Even though I left this til last, it is actually one of the best classroom management strategies and also the least disruptive. A stern look, a raised eyebrow, a slight shake of the head or a simple gesture can get a student to change their behavior in an instant without ruining the flow of the lesson. 

Additionally, never underestimate the power of proximity.  Don’t teach the entire class from the front of the class. Be present in the classroom by moving around your students. It’s amazing how behavior issues can dissolve as you walk towards a particular student, or just a simple tap on the desk can bring a student back to focus. 

classroom management strategies for high school 

Conclusion

These 13 successful classroom management strategies for high school will help you gain and keep control of your classroom.

Remember, be patient and stay flexible as you find what works best for you and your students. 

classroom management strategies for high school

Katrina is a multi-award winning educator from Sydney, Australia who specialises in creating resources that support teachers and engage students.

See the quality and browse her best selling resources below on either The Animated Teacher website or on Teachers Pay Teachers: