ABSTRACT
Effective teachers model self-control; their classroom management is grounded in their ability to manage their own behavior. High achievers put so much of themselves into what they do that any criticism, no matter how minor, can become a personal affront. This is true of both high-achieving students and high-achieving teachers. This chapter presents key concepts, discussion questions, journal prompt, and group activities related to the power of expectations. Great teachers are aware of almost everything that happens in their classroom, and they know which situations demand immediate attention and which can wait for a more teachable moment. William James famously theorized, "The art of being wise is knowing what to overlook". The great teacher has the ability to pay attention to students, to recognize and praise their achievements, and to overlook minor errors. Divide participants into groups of five to seven and have each group prepare a skit involving a classroom situation.
