The Behaviour Strategy That Stops Power Struggles Before They Start

Ever found yourself in a silent classroom standoff? You vs. a student... with 28 other kids watching like it’s prime‑time TV....

I have - more times than I like to admit.

In those moments, it has gone well past the issue. It’s now about pride, pressure, and the fear of losing face. And when our ego joins the party, things escalate fast.

That’s why Take‑Up Time is one of the most conflict reducing behaviour strategies we have in our toolkit.

It removes ego, removes the audience, and gives students the space to make the right choice without feeling cornered.

When done well, there is no power struggle. No public showdown. No damage to the teacher/student relationship. Just calm, dignity‑preserving behaviour management that actually works.

I’ve broken down the full strategy, including examples you can use tomorrow, in my latest article (timely given we are in the pointy end of the term) which is an exert of the latest Empowering Educators Podcast episode. 👇

The power of giving authentic praise to build relational capital with the students we teach and instill confiednece with our learners. When we get it right, it builds trust, belonging and motivation. When we get it wrong, it may have the opposite effect, eroding our credibility. If we want stronger classroom culture, we need to make praise specific, honest and meaningful.In one of the latest podcast episodes on praising in the classroom. Here’s how to do it well. Full episode here: Apple: https://lnkd.in/gMwT4s5bSpotify: https://lnkd.in/gzzrzpzn

Supporting students leaders when the novelty wears off. The honeymoon phase is over for your student leaders.

Welcome to the messy middle. The part no one glamorises to them, but the part that matters most in terms of building leadership capacity for our current group of seniors.

How we guide them through this dip shapes the leaders they become through 2026.

The practicalities of praising students in the classroom, authentically. Using the strategy of ‘Champion the Good’.

Never-ending interruptions overrunning your instruction time in the classroom? There might be a few strategies that you can implement that can minimise these destroyers of focus.

Latest blog post which is a summary of the latest podcast episode from Empowering Educators.

The what, why and how of a seating plan.

See more at the Empowering Educators podcast

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A reminder for those mentoring student leaders for 2026, it is their Day 1.

Their current leadership experience in the new role: 0.

That's a lot of self-expectation, especially as we currently praise and farewell those currently in their role (the Seniors of 2025).

Badges don’t make leaders. Support, formation and the right mix of skills do.

In my latest blog, I explore how schools can support the 2026 student leadership cohort to achieve the hopes and dreams they set out achieve (and most likely wrote in an application... that is now sitting in a draw in someone's office 😁 )

Leadership Camp season is here. Still running the same program from 2005? Looking for a refresh? Or simply wanting to ensure you have everything covered?

Check out "Leadership Camp Essentials" that assists those planning or in-charge of leadership camps ensure every base is covered. Enjoy the read.

Want a companion Leadership Camp planning Checklist that summarises everything into an easy guide – comment checklist or DM me to receive a free copy.

From layered selection to sustained mentorship: discover the blueprint that empowers young leaders to shape culture, not just wear the badge. I hope you enjoy the read.

What if leadership formation wasn’t about choosing the few, but inviting the many? 🧭 💡

As leadership season kicks off in most schools over the next few weeks, some ideas that all schools can implement to ensure every young person can be involved in realising their leadership potential. Here are six key elements every educator should consider when building a student leadership program…

From larrikin to luminary: a reminder that student leaders don't have to fit the one mold.