Without proper classroom management skills, even the most well-planned out lesson is doomed for failure. Classroom management is central in teaching. In order for students to learn, teachers need to establish routines, control, and mutual respect in their classroom.
Classroom management is a skill that takes time and practice to refine; even experienced teachers have room for improvement and can enhance their skills. If you’re interested in finding a course to help you improve on your classroom management skills to better reach your students, read through our article below. I’ve compiled a list of 14 of the best classroom management courses that are available.
Classroom management is key if you want to see your students reach their true learning potential. When a teacher has poor classroom management, one or a few students can control the classroom climate and make it harder for other students to focus on learning. Additionally, when students see other students getting away with negative behaviors with little follow-through or consequences from the teacher, other students in the class may begin to mimic the poor behaviors and make the classroom an even more challenging place to learn.
Because of this, the behaviors, actions, and learning potential of students are directly related to a teacher’s classroom management skills. The video explains how essential it is for a teacher to have strong classroom management skills if they want their students to be able to achieve academically.
The same group of students will often exhibit different behaviors with different teachers, leading to differences in performance across classes. This is because of the classroom management skills possessed (or not possessed) by each teacher.
Classroom management is multi-faceted; there is not just ‘one thing’ that teachers need to do to properly manage their classroom. Rather, teachers need to juggle a variety of puzzle pieces to keep their classrooms running properly. Some of these puzzle pieces include:
- Creating a positive classroom climate
- Setting rules and expectations and holding students accountable
- Being consistent with delivering consequences
- Learning how to manage classroom disruptions
- Building relationships with students
Best Classroom Management Online Courses
1. Classroom Management for Young Learners (Udemy) →
2. How to Win at Teaching in Education (Udemy) →
3. Step by Step to Becoming a Great Teacher (Udemy) →
4. Classroom Management Essentials (Udemy) →
5. Mastering Classroom Management (Udemy) →
6. Education 101: Hassle Free Classroom Management Strategies (Udemy) →
7. Teaching Techniques: Classroom Management (Lynda) →
8. EDUC521: Classroom Management for Educators (University of Phoenix) →
9. Effective Classroom Management: A CEEL Module (Harvard University Online Courses) →
10. EDU-X776: Classroom Management (University of San Diego Professional and Continuing Education) →
12. EDUO 9898: Classroom Management for the Win (Dominican University of California) →
13. Diploma on Classroom Management and Psychology for Teachers (Cambridge International College) →
14. Classroom Management Strategies: ENVoY Certificate (Bethel University) →
Online Classroom Management Courses
There are many different online classroom management courses available for teachers. Online classes are a convenient way to improve your management skills and, thereby, the achievement of their students. With an online course, you can complete course work and lectures around your teaching and personal schedule. Many online courses are also shorter and will require less of a time commitment on your part.
1. Classroom Management for Young Learners (Udemy) →
Price: $19.99
Duration: 34 minutes
In this course, designed for teachers of younger students, participants will learn a variety of tips designed to help them improve on their classroom management techniques. The course can help you learn how to create engaging lessons, deal with problem behaviors, create a classroom set of rules, and much more. Teachers who have completed the course have shared that after taking their course they experienced a renewed sense of confidence to teach their students and manage their behaviors.
You will learn:
- How to create rules and set boundaries
- How to follow through with what you tell students
- Gaining student buy-in through politeness and manners
- How to give directions that are clear and concise for younger learners
- How to ensure that your lessons reach all the learners in your classroom
User feedback:
“A very practical, simple and constructive reminder on classroom management. Useful for parents as well!! I liked the clear and lively way of the presentation and the step-by-step tips for the real life situations. Thank you!”
Best for Primary teachers, Pre-K teachers, and parents of young children.
2. How to Win at Teaching in Education (Udemy) →
Price: $49.99
Duration: 2 hours and 56 minutes
In the less than three hours that this course will take you to complete, you’ll learn a plethora of useful information and skills that you’ll be able to apply directly to your classroom. The course shares useful information about planning lessons, differentiating instruction, preparing for an observation, communicating with parents, teaching classroom routines, and creating a classroom environment that is conducive to high achievement from your students.
You will learn:
- How to prepare for an interview for a teaching position
- How to build relationships with your students
- How to plan engaging lessons for students
- How to write SMART objectives
- How to improve student learning through building a positive classroom climate
User feedback:
“Super informative and very practical. As a brand new teacher this course has helped me remember many important facts in the teaching field, and given me practical tools that I can use in the classroom.”
Best for Any teachers or student teachers who are looking to improve their skills in the classroom.
3. Step by Step to Becoming a Great Teacher (Udemy) →
Price: $89.99
Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Another course offered through Udemy that focuses on classroom management skills is the Step by Step to Becoming a Great Teacher course. This course is designed to help teachers learn the skills they’ll need to guarantee the success of their English language learners. Instruction focuses on planning and delivering engaging content for students, handling students that create a problem, working with different group sizes and more. The course is completely online; you won’t need to purchase any workbooks, CDs, or other materials.
You will learn:
- How to plan lessons that will excite and motivate students
- How to manage large class sizes
- How to most effectively teach a small group of students
- How to turn around a lesson that isn’t going well
- Different strategies to help you manage students who cause problems
User feedback:
“Kevin gave some excellent tips in an easily digestible manner.”
Best for: Teachers who are looking to improve their instruction and classroom management for the benefit of their students.
4. Classroom Management Essentials (Udemy) →
Price: $49.99
Duration: 1 hour and 51 minutes
This course from Udemy is designed to help teachers break down the larger concept of classroom management into different strategies they can implement in their classrooms. Through the seven chapters of the course, participants will listen to Dr. Tracey Garrett’s suggestions and tips for effectively managing a classroom.
Each chapter also includes a self-guided section where course participants will have the opportunity to learn more and apply their learning. Additionally, interviews of teachers across different grade levels are also integrated into each chapter. The teachers who are interviewed share some of the strategies that they find most effective for managing their classroom.
You will learn:
- How to create rules and routines
- The importance of building relationships with your students
- Steps you can take to stop unwanted behaviors from occurring
- Ways to address both serious and minor behavior problems
- How to plan engaging lessons for students
User feedback:
“Lot of ideas comes out after viewing this course that might help me attaining classroom management. Behavioral concern is the main problem and how to deal with it. Teachers involved in this course helps me a lot to understand and visualize some ideas that I may use some of these days. Thanks for this wonderful course Classroom Management Essentials.”
Best for All teachers, new and experienced, who would like to expand on their classroom management skills and learn new strategies they can bring back to help their students.
5. Mastering Classroom Management (Udemy) →
Price: $24.99
Duration: 1 hour and 18 minutes
The aim of the Mastering Classroom Management course from Udemy is to help classroom teachers transform into masters of classroom management. The course will help teach participants to respond to and address behavior issues from their students, such as calling out of turn or not focusing on instruction. Teachers will learn how to create a classroom environment where all students feel welcomed and ready to learn. They will also learn how to use strategies such as non-verbal cues to help refocus individual students who need a reminder.
You will learn:
- How to model appropriate behaviors for your students
- How to create a positive classroom climate
- Planning ahead for potential obstacles and challenges in a lesson
- Using non-verbal cues to redirect students
- How to help students who have an attention deficit
- How to address excessive talking from students
User feedback:
“This course was very informative. I am a first year teacher. This will be my second year teaching when school resumes. I wish I had taken a detailed course like this before getting literally thrown in the class room to give instruction to a Pre-K class. But, I will definitely review all the notes that I took from this class and implement them into my classroom expectations from Day 1. Thank you so much!
Best for Classroom teachers or student teachers who already have some experience in the classroom.
6. Education 101: Hassle-Free Classroom Management Strategies (Udemy) →
Price: $94.99
Duration: 1 hour and 17 minutes
The Hassle-Free Classroom Management Strategies Course focuses on three main topics related to classroom instruction and management. These three topics are discipline, how to start an effective lesson, and student learning. Course participants will learn various skills and strategies they can use to help manage their classroom, refocus students, convey high expectations to students, and more. The course content is broken up into three main sections: Classroom Discipline 101, Let’s Learn about Learning, and You Never Get a Second Chance to Make a First Impression.
You will learn:
- Positive methods to deal with disruptive students to help them feel encouraged
- How to help your students improve their self-esteem
- Some limitations of the traditional teaching model
- How to keep students engaged during instruction
- How to start a lesson off on the right foot
User feedback:
“Great material that is practical and easy to put to use in the classroom. The presenter is clear and comes across as enjoying his material, which makes it easier to listen to.”
Best for Classroom teachers who are open to learning new strategies and reflecting on their current classroom management techniques in order to provide the best learning environment for their students.
7. Teaching Techniques: Classroom Management (Lynda) →
Price: $29.99/month (includes access to all of Lynda’s expert-led courses)
Duration: 52 minutes
Designed for teachers of kindergarten through 12th grade, this course is designed to help participants learn how to increase their students’ performance while decreasing disruptions to instruction. Aaron Quigley, the instructor, will help you improve your classroom management without feeling like you’re having a negative impact on your students’ creativity. A large portion of the instruction focuses on building a positive climate in your classroom where students are held accountable and student learning is the focus of your attention.
You will learn:
- How to improve your self-confidence to improve your classroom management skills
- How to be proactive and consistent with routines and discipline
- How to create classroom routines and consistent procedures for students
- How to effectively redirect off-task students
- How to improve your timing to ensure your lessons flow seamlessly
User feedback:
“Lynda has helped solve the issue of providing amazing professional development for staff members with a limited department budget. Lynda offers a wide range of modules that can be taken in a group setting or at-home.”
Best for Teachers of all grade levels who are looking to improve their classroom management skills to help their students learn more and perform better
University Classroom Management Courses
You’ll also find numerous classroom management courses that are offered through universities across the country. Many of these options could help you earn graduate-level credits that you may need to keep your certification current or progress to a higher salary lane. A university course will go into more detail and provide you with more information and strategies to help you improve on your classroom management skill.
8. EDUC521: Classroom Management for Educators (University of Phoenix) →
Price: $600 ($525 tuition and $75 resource fee)
Duration: 4 weeks
This graduate-level course from the University of Phoenix is designed to help educators deliver effective instruction paired with skilled classroom management to help reach and teach all of their students. A variety of topics are addressed throughout the course, ranging from proper classroom setup and prep to developing a positive classroom climate to different strategies for disciplining students. Successful completion of the course will earn you three credits.
You will learn:
- How to develop a classroom management plan
- How to address behavior problems in the classroom
- How to increase student involvement in your instruction
- Different classroom conditions that could lead to student disruptions
- The similarities and differences between different discipline models
User feedback:
“I was very stressed thinking about how I would manage going back to school. The University of Phoenix has made this transition very easy. I have the tools I need when I need them. This has been a great experience.”
Best for Any teachers who want their lessons to run more smoothly and their students to learn more from instruction.
9. Effective Classroom Management: A CEEL Module (Harvard University Online Courses) →
Price: $199
Duration: 3 weeks
This course is part of the Certificate in Early Education Leadership (CEEL) program from Harvard University. Throughout the three-week course, learners will have the opportunity to learn more about classroom management and some of the factors that influence an educator’s ability to manage a classroom. These factors include their executive functions, ability to build relationships with their students, and their emotional regulation.
You will learn:
- Which behaviors children typically exhibit that challenge classroom management
- How classroom management is related to a teacher’s capacity to build relationships with their students
- How teachers can be best supported to help them address problematic behaviors and effectively manage a classroom.
- How to create a specific plan to address the students in your classroom
User feedback:
“I love their courses and their accessibility.
Glad to be able to take courses from Cambridge in the comfort of my apartment in New York, or home in Texas.”
Best for Early elementary teachers who are looking to examine and reflect on their practices to improve their classroom management skills.
10. EDU-X776: Classroom Management (University of San Diego Professional and Continuing Education) →
Price: $307 (course fee), $45 (optional Effective Classroom Management Certificate fee)
Duration: Self-paced, 180 days to complete once enrolled
The University of San Diego offers this self-paced course which can be applied towards the Effective Classroom Management Certificate. This class is designed for educators who would like to compare their current classroom management strategies to evidence-based techniques to provide the best learning environment for their students. Two graduate-level credits will be awarded upon completion of the course.
You will learn:
- The effect a teacher’s attitude can have on classroom management
- The importance of building positive relationships with your students
- How to evaluate the effectiveness of your current classroom management practices
- Classroom management strategies you can take back to your classroom to use with your students
- How to create a classroom management plan for your specific students using best practices
User feedback:
“Great for working full-time teachers.”
Best for Current educators who are looking to make improvements in their classroom management techniques in order to see an improvement in the learning and development of their students.
11. EDU-X797: Maximizing Student Achievement through Classroom Management (University of San Diego Professional and Continuing Education) →
Price: $489 (course fee), $45 (optional Effective Classroom Management Certificate fee)
Duration: Self-paced, 180 days to complete once enrolled
The goal of this course is to provide teachers of grades 6 through 12 with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage their classrooms. Information presented through the lectures will address different strategies teachers can implement in order to prevent many problems and disruptions from occurring as well as how they should respond when interruptions do happen. If desired, this course can be applied towards earning the Effective Classroom Management Solutions Certificate from the University of San Diego.
You will learn:
- How to prevent common behavior problems from occurring
- How to respond when students don’t follow directions
- First-hand information from teachers who are masters in classroom management
- The relationship between time management and classroom management
- Why being consistent is so important as a teacher
User feedback:
“The education I received was among one of the best. Setting me forth in a career path I’d always wanted. All of my professors were both knowledgeable and willing to go above and beyond to ensure you received answers to any of your questions.”
Best for: Educators of 6th through 12th grade who would like to improve their classroom management and how they address different situations.
12. EDUO 9898: Classroom Management for the Win (Dominican University of California) →
Price: $265
Duration: Self-paced, 9 months to complete once enrolled
This is a self-paced course, so you’ll be able to complete the lessons and assignments based on your own schedule. Instruction focuses on creating a classroom climate where students are motivated to do their best. Learners will look at the connection between classroom management and student performance. This online course is taught by Amy Kines, a veteran teacher of 29 years who currently runs training programs for teachers.
You will learn:
- How to use space and proximity to your advantage
- Why some students are disruptive
- How to establish consistent routines
- How to best arrange your room to prevent disruptions
- How to create meaningful relationships with your students
User feedback:
“What I really enjoyed about my experience with Dominican University of California was the openness of the faculty and staff. I am impressed by their continued dedication to their student body and their investment into my personal success.”
Best for Any teachers who want to improve their students’ performance by enhancing their classroom management skills.
13. Diploma on Classroom Management and Psychology for Teachers (Cambridge International College) →
Price: $440
Duration: 12 months, but you can complete a diploma more quickly or take longer if needed
This is a comprehensive Diploma Program from Cambridge International College. Throughout the program, students will learn a variety of practices and techniques to help them improve their classroom management skills, thus increasing the academic performance of their students. Strategies are shared for both general education and special education students.
You will learn:
- How to build student motivation
- How to best plan and prepare successful lessons
- How to respond to student misbehaviors and discipline students
- Ways to help improve students’ memory and attention
- The various things students need to experience academic success
User feedback:
“A lot of support services to help successfully maneuver through school while having a full time job. the lecturers are very helpful and knowledgeable. I am excited to learn and develop my technical and connections.”
Best for: Educators who want to learn pro-active strategies to help them improve their classroom management skills and the performance of their students.
14. Classroom Management Strategies: ENVoY Certificate (Bethel University) →
Price: $5350 ($535/credit)
Duration: 10 credits, can finish in as little as 10 months
The ENVoY Certificate program from Bethel University was designed to help make teachers more aware of the nonverbal messages they are sending their students and the effects these messages may be having on students. A large part of the instruction will focus on building and maintaining relationships with students, increasing student productivity, and helping students take greater responsibility for their education. The skills and strategies shared through this program are designed to be used with students of all ages.
You will learn:
- Strategies to help re-direct disruptive students so they too can find success.
- How to respond to common classroom problems
- Reflect on any barriers that are preventing you from building positive relationships with your students
- How to transform your classroom of students into a unified group that works well together
- How to help ensure the success of all your students, even those who are less cooperative
User feedback:
“The professors are always willing to help you, they want you to succeed and do your best. The professors are all very knowledgeable about the topics they are teaching which keeps you engaged.”
Best for Kindergarten through 12th-grade teachers who would like to become more aware of the non-verbal messages they are sending their students.
Closing Words
If you’re looking to learn new classroom management skills to help you be a more effective teacher for your students, signing up for a classroom management course is a good first step. The 14 courses above will help you learn new skills and strategies to keep your classroom running properly and ensure your students are able to reach their learning potential.
Using 3D printers in the classroom is another professional learning opportunity you may want to consider. Your students will be very engaged as they learn about 3D printing, and engaging lessons can assist you in your classroom management.
Some other ideas you can consider when you are looking for lessons and activities that your students will enjoy include using clay in the classroom and different ways to take advantage of laminated materials.
Last Updated on May 22, 2022 by Emily
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