If you’re a teacher who wants to get your classroom management back on track, you’re in the right place. Most of us can’t find enough quality classroom management resources to help us create a positive and effective learning environment..

Searching for the absolute best resources is like finding a needle in a haystack. It takes a whole lot of time and energy, and oftentimes it’s a miss.

Over the years, I’ve accumulated many resources – as my impressive list of computer bookmarks can testify! But when I decided to share this top-10 guide to classroom management resources, I realized I had some work to do. 

So, I went through hundreds of bookmarks and weeded out the outdated resources – the ones with broken links and the ones that are just so-so. Because my goal is to share only the very best ones with you.

This list was the result, providing you with the 10 best classroom management resources available for helping you get your classroom back on track. Many of these I still use today which is why I’m including them.

I’ll update this list every year or so to provide you with the most current resources available to help you master classroom management. So keep checking back.

Resource #1. Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

This framework will help you establish and maintain behavior supports for your classroom or school. What really stands out – and why this is #1 on my list – is its comprehensive approach to behavior management that integrates data for decision-making. . 

It’s my absolute favorite framework and something I can’t do without. I’ve used it for everything from establishing classroom routines to managing individual behaviors and creating a positive classroom culture.

It makes implementing consistent behavior expectations fast and easy, too. When you have this in your toolbox creating a supportive learning environment is almost too simple.

You won’t find a better tool to maintain student engagement and support academic success.

Resource #2. Responsive Classroom

If you’re looking for a more in-depth, comprehensive approach to nurturing a positive community in your classroom, you need this approach. 

It will give you a deeper understanding of emotional intelligence and how to incorporate it into your classroom. Not just add fluff knowledge. And you won’t experience “impostor syndrome” anymore because Responsive Classroom will help you learn from the best.

There’s a reason the Center for Responsive Schools has been around for over 30 years.

I regularly return to this one to keep my classroom management strategies fresh and effective.

Resource #3. Smart Classroom Management Plan

Whatever stage of classroom management you’re in, this tool will provide you with practical and effective techniques that you can immediately put to work in your classroom. 

This Smart Classroom Management Plan is different from the other ones on this list because it offers straightforward, actionable strategies without the fluff, making it incredibly efficient for busy teachers. 

One of my clients used this tool to transform her approach to classroom discipline when she was struggling with maintaining order in her classroom. It helped her establish a calm, focused environment where students knew what was expected and engaged more fully in the learning process.

She wouldn’t have the success she does now without it.

Resource #4. Edutopia’s Classroom Management Resources

If you’re just starting out, or even if you’re a seasoned teacher, this is one of my absolute favorites, hands-down. This website gives you a great overview and a broad range of strategies for classroom management from experienced educators and researchers.

Explore comprehensive articles and videos that offer practical tips on everything from organizing your classroom to using technology effectively for classroom management.

Pro tip: Use their filters to find resources specific to your teaching level and challenges to get the most targeted and useful advice.

Resource #5. My Classroom Management Toolkit

There’s so much that goes into effective classroom management and it can be overwhelming.

Back when I was starting, I had no idea what to do, and I felt completely overwhelmed by the different behavioral and organizational needs of my students. 

What really helped me was developing a process so that I could systematically address behavior issues and streamline classroom routines.

When I was in the classroom, I used it every day to implement effective strategies, maintain consistency, and engage my students.

It may not have the flashy interface or gimmicks that other tools boast, but what it DOES give you is solid, research-backed strategies and practical templates that teachers keep coming back for. 

For years I ignored the importance of this, thinking the competition was better because it was more popular. I’m glad I went back – because I find it excels at providing a robust set of classroom management resources.  

You’re really going to love this if you need a more comprehensive guide, with templates and tools to manage your classroom effectively without breaking the bank.. 

This comprehensive toolkit is designed to provide teachers with the proven strategies, tips, and best practices for handling various classroom scenarios and maintaining student engagement. It includes:

• 13 Essential Steps for Effective Classroom Routines
• 10 Strategies for Handling Disruptive Behavior
• Behavior Management Strategies and Scripts
• Ideas for Flexible Seating
• Behavior Support Templates: Classroom Management Plan, Behavior Support Planning, Behavior Contracts, a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)
• Teacher Time Management Tools

If you want to use it too, grab it here.

Resource #6: Learning for Justice (formerly Teaching Tolerance)

Learning for Justice is best if you already have some experience with inclusive education. 

It presupposes you have a basic understanding of how to create equitable and respectful learning environments, and you’re ready to up your game. I’ve found it very useful when I want to build a deeper understanding of social justice among students.

Here are three of my favorite ways to use this resource:

• When I need current, research-backed information and strategies to address complex classroom issues like racism, sexism, or current events.
• Developing lesson plans that include diverse perspectives and histories.
• Using their film kits and other multimedia resources to spark meaningful conversations with students.

What I love most about it is the comprehensive approach to not just tolerance, but active anti-bias education.

Resource #7: Cult of Pedagogy

This blog and podcast is a bit of an outlier; I don’t always see it included in classroom management resources. It’s an “oldie but goodie,” filled with valuable information that holds true today and still packs a punch. 

It will help lay a solid foundation for effective teaching strategies and keep you grounded as you continue to grow in your teaching career.

More than anything else, this is what gave me the 10,000-foot view of my teaching approaches so that I could really take control of it. 

Don’t skip over this one!

Resource #8: Truth for Teachers

Here’s another one you probably haven’t seen on many other Top 10 lists. That’s because it dives deep into practical classroom solutions without the buzzwords or trendy jargon. 

But don’t let that fool you. I always include this website on my list because it provides real-world advice and support so you don’t have to feel alone in your teaching journey. 

Angela Watson’s personal experiences and practical tips are what make this site so valuable. It’s filled with strategies that work in real classrooms and can be implemented without extensive resources.

And if you’re struggling with too much on your plate as a teacher, check out her amazing 40 Hour Teacher Workweek year-long program!

Don’t let this one fool you because of its straightforward presentation; you’ll be missing out on a powerful resource to help you enhance both classroom management and your own well-being.

Resource #9: ASCD’s Books on Classroom Management

Do you feel overwhelmed by the myriad of classroom management resources and theories out there? Are you using strategies that seem outdated or ineffective? 

This collection of books will help you determine how to streamline your classroom management strategies and choose what best fits your educational philosophy.

This one isn’t always on any “Top 10 lists for classroom management resources.” 

Still, I find the books invaluable for helping me establish a classroom environment that supports learning and builds respect, improving my interactions with students, and I think you will, too!

Explore various authors and experts in the field, each offering unique insights and actionable advice. Whether you’re looking to refine your approach or overhaul your strategies, ASCD’s books are an essential resource.

Resource #10: Teacher Mindset Cheatsheet and Journal

I’ve saved my personal favorite for last. This is one you can use every day to keep your mind focused on the task at hand and enhance your professional and personal well-being. It’s simple and guaranteed to help you enjoy the journey of teaching. 

Since I’ve begun using mindfulness and reflective journaling, I’ve been able to feel more effective in my work, with less stress. I think you will love it, too. 

For example:

Every time I face a challenging situation in the classroom or feel overwhelmed by my workload, I refer to the Cheatsheet to realign my thinking from a fixed to a growth mindset. Then, I use the Reflection Journal in the evening to ponder on my day, which greatly helps in reducing stress and clarifying my goals.

Here’s why this resource is so transformative:

• Morning Mindfulness: Begin your day by setting a mindful intention to engage positively with your students and colleagues.
• Daily Journal Prompts: Reflect on your teaching practice, the balance in your life, and things you are grateful for, which enriches your emotional and professional journey.
• Progress Tracking: Keep tabs on what you’ve learned each day, monitor progress towards your goals, and plan actionable steps for improvement.
• Celebrating Successes: End your day on a positive note by jotting down your successes, big or small, fostering a habit of looking for wins and positive outcomes.

If you want to get your classroom back on track, you’ll want to use all 10 of these regularly. I do and credit most of my classroom management success to them.

Which one is your favorite? Have you ever used resources from Edutopia? Are you going to check out Cult of Pedagogy next? I can’t wait to hear from you in the comments below.

And if you really want to go all-in, I’ve got a free video training to help you understand and respond to challenging behavior in your classroom. The ABC process the training describes helped me support my most challenging students more effectively. 

Click the image below to access the free video training now >>