My Go-To Strategies for High School Classroom Management That Works!

Hey y’all! If you’re new here, welcome to my little corner of the internet where high school meets high energy and heart-led teaching. I’m Mrs. Richie—a Louisiana-based high school U.S. History teacher, mama of soon to be three wild boys, gym enthusiast, and your go-to girl for all things pink, purposeful, and positively engaging.

Let’s talk classroom management—the thing that can make or break your school year.

When I started teaching at 22 years old, I had no idea what classroom management even was, let alone that I actually needed it. I legit thought, “I’m fun! The kids will like me, so obviously they’ll listen to me!”

Boyyyyy was I wrong.

I spent the rest of that first year stuck in constant power struggles with teenagers who could smell my uncertainty from across the room. It was exhausting, discouraging, and honestly made me question if I was cut out for this.

So I made a promise to myself: I would never let that happen again.

The next year, I started building strategies that actually worked for my classroom—ones that helped me lead with confidence, keep my sanity, and still hold onto the “controlled chaos” vibe I love. Because yes, I want energy, excitement, and laughter… I just want it on my terms

Last year, I had the honor of sharing my top strategies for creating an optimal learning environment with other educators, and now I’m bringing that goodness straight to you! Because let’s be real: if you don’t have structure, routines, and a culture that works for you, you’ll burn out fast.

So, what’s the secret sauce? I call it C.O.R.E.—a system that centers around collaboration, ownership, rewards, and consistency.

Collaborative Rules

Let your students write the rules with you.

Yep. You heard me right. When students help create the expectations, they feel respected, responsible, and ready to follow through. One of my favorite examples? Our bathroom policy—it’s co-created, clear, and actually works.

Creating that mutual respect from day one builds buy-in, and buy-in builds behavior that aligns with your classroom culture.

Ownership Roles

Classroom jobs aren’t just for elementary kids!

Assigning roles like “Paper Passer Upper Person” or “Timer Starter” gives students a sense of leadership and keeps your classroom running smoothly. When students take ownership, you’ll see a shift in accountability and engagement.

These roles empower students to take pride in their environment—and lighten your load, too. Win-win!

Rewards System

*Check out the Selfie Center in the back!!*

I’m not above a little selfie incentive. 😉

Using positive reinforcement like our class Selfie Center encourages academic effort and positive behavior. It's not about bribery—it’s about recognition, motivation, and letting your students know that their efforts matter.

Even high schoolers love a good shoutout and a photo moment!

Established Consistency

The number one thing that helps classroom behavior? Predictability.

Consistency builds trust and safety, and safety leads to learning. One of my favorite tools? The Amazon doorbell chime—we use it to signal transitions, and it works like a charm. Anchor charts, routines, and cues help make your expectations second nature for students.

When kids know what to expect, they show up better. Period.

Communicating Expectations Clearly

Middle and high schoolers crave clarity. I keep it real and relatable—whether it's modeling procedures or reinforcing with humor and positivity.

Use visuals. Repeat directions. Show don’t just tell. Involve parents early and often.

Oh—and my golden rule: always communicate with love and respect. You set the tone.

Creating a Culture That Lasts

All the strategies in the world won’t matter without relationships.

Here’s how I build mine:

Greet them at the door with joy (yes, even on Monday mornings!)
Invest in what they love (sports, sneakers, YouTube—it all counts!)
Be consistent and fair
Validate every voice
Be a safe place

When your classroom culture is rooted in respect, inclusivity, and high expectations, students will rise to meet them.

Final Takeaways:

✨ Classroom management isn’t about control—it’s about connection.
✨ Students thrive in a space where they are seen, heard, and valued.
✨ And YOU thrive when you’ve got systems that support both structure and joy.

If you’re ready to revamp your classroom management or want help implementing your own C.O.R.E. system, I’m always here to support! Shoot me a DM over at @mrs.richie_highschool, or check out more tips at www.mrsrichiecreates.org.

You’ve got this, teacher friend. 💕

Xoxo,
Mrs. Richie

How I Actually Got My High Schoolers To Listen To Me As A 23 Year Old Teacher!