I learned that group work, while annoying to set up and enforce, helps kids learn better. Of course, rubrics help groups know what a learning group does.

I found that color wakes up the brain to retain information.

Certificates are every bit as effective a reward as candy, if not more effective. They can be taken home and shown to parents.

Walking around with a gradebook in hand makes kids begin their work.

Telling student exactly what you expect usually has good results. "Put your pencils on the paper and start writing now."

I learned to put instructions in really simple language and then to ask several times, several ways, if students understood. Then I listened to their answers.

I found that even though I despaired of the state assessment, 90% of my kids passed. I may have that number tattooed on the back of my neck. Preserve the glory in case there are lean years ahead.

When a lesson plan bombed, I scrapped it quickly. Even lovely plans that seemed artful--if kids didn't get it or simply decided to throw paper wads instead of working, we pulled out the grammar books.

 Discipline always comes before learning. Behavior problems? Document in front of the child,specifically--and make him/her sign.  Date. Call parents immediately.I had a whole bookful of such notes, which our admissions officer used to help decide who could return next year. (Our enrollment is voluntary.)

For some students, just the awareness that you are writing behavior down is a deterrent. Don't write "Name-calling." Write the actual words down. If necessary, say, "Could you repeat that? I'm not sure I got it all." I've used this when kids were calling me bad names in Spanish.  "I know what that means.  Your mom will be surprised to hear you said that to your teacher."