Finding Your Authentic Teaching Voice
Effective classroom management isn’t about adopting someone else’s style—it’s about developing your own authentic approach that aligns with your values and personality. Here are opportunities for you to reflect on the kind of teacher you want to be and guidance for building genuine authority based on respect rather than fear. Authenticity creates the foundation for all other management strategies to work effectively.
Authority vs. Authoritarian
Authoritative Teaching (Effective)
- High expectations + High support
- Clear boundaries with flexibility
- Explains the “why” behind rules
- Models respect and expects it
- Admits mistakes and learns from them
Authoritarian Teaching (Problematic)
- Rigid rules without explanation
- Power struggles are common
- Fear-based compliance
- “Because I said so” mentality
- Perfectionist image
Building Authentic Authority
Be Genuine
- Share appropriate personal stories
- Admit when you don’t know something
- Show your passion for learning
- Let your personality come through
- Acknowledge your mistakes
Be Consistent
- Follow through on what you say
- Apply rules fairly to all students
- Maintain same energy and expectations daily
- Keep promises (or explain why you can’t)
Be Caring
- Show interest in students as people
- Celebrate their successes
- Support them through struggles
- Advocate for their needs
- Maintain high expectations because you believe in them
Voice Development Activities
Self-Reflection Questions
- What kind of teacher do I want to be?
- What are my non-negotiables?
- How do I want students to feel in my classroom?
- What authority figures did I respect growing up? Why?
- What does authentic leadership look like to me?
Voice Experimentation
- Try different communication styles with different situations
- Record yourself teaching and listen back
- Ask for feedback from trusted colleagues
- Notice which approaches feel most natural
- Observe teachers whose style you admire
